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CHARLOTTESVHIE
LIBRARIES
• If
ALKALINB PAPER
PRBSBRVATIOH PHOTOCOPY
UMIVSRSITY OP VIRGIVIA
EXTRACTS FROM THE
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
EDITED BY JACOB COX PARSONS
■r "
t
%.-
EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY
OF
JACOB HILTZHEIMER
"yi
OF PHILADELPHIA.
176J-1798.
BDITtD BT
HIS GREAT-GRANDSON, JACOB COX PARSONS.
PHILADELPHIA :
PRESS OF WM. F. FELL 8c CO.
1898.
— I ■<— ' f l - I >■'■>
F .
F
TO
MY GRANDMOTHER.
CATHARINE COX,
DAUGHTER OF
JACOB HILTZHEIMER,
THB BAKUnr AND DBARMT nUBKD OF KT TOOTH, WMO TOOK
rtMASUUm IN K NLITINO TO MS SYBNTB OV TNB FAST
AND AWAXSNINO MT INTUUMT IN KNTODO-
TIONAST MATTBM. THIS VOLUMX IS
JACX)B cox PARSONS.
■I 1^1 - ' .1 ' .
mi' «% m
PREFACE.
The extracts contained in this volume are from the diary of Jacob
Hiltzheimer, who at the age of nineteen years left his native city,
Mannheim, on the Rhine, for Rotterdam, where he embarked on the
ship Edinbui^h, James Russell, Master, and arrived at Philadelphia,
September 5 th, 1748, and three days later took the usual oath of
allegiance. Soon after his arrival he was apprenticed to John Nagle,
a silversmith, on Front street At the expiration of his term of
service, finding that the confinement of the store was not congenial to
his active disposition, he decided to engage in farming and the raising
of fine stock, and commenced by leasing land in the suburbs of the
city. He took part in the campaign to resist the encroachments of the
French on the river Ohio and the lakes to the westward, and for his
services was entitled to a portion of '' back lands," under the King's
proclamation of October, 1762. During the war for independence^
he sided with the colonies, attached himself to the First Battalion, City
Militia, and was also connected with the Quartermaster's Department,
in which he rendered valuable service to the'anny in the field. He
became a prominent member of the Patriotic Association. As Street
Commissioner, for three years he discharged the duties of the office
in a manner worthy the emulation of public servants at the present
day. He was elected in 1786, a Representative of thq city in the
Assembly, and served for eleven consecutive years, beiiig Chairman
of the Committee on Claims, and on other important committees. In
all movements of a public and charitable character he took an active
and prominent part : was Vice President of the German Society, an
early member of the Society for Promoting Agriculture, the Society
...
vii
Vlll PREFACE.
for the Promotion of Domestic ManufSatctures, and the Fire Depart-
ment In 1 76 1, he married Hannah Walker, of a Quaker family, and
-established his home on the east side of Seventh street, just below the
•comer of Market street After passing through the epidemics of
1793 and 1797, he died of yellow fever, September 14th, 1798, and
his remains were interred in the cemetery of the German Reformed
Church (now a part of Franklin Square), of which he was a member
of the vestry for many years. Jacob Hiltzheimer's daily record of
thirty years affords ample evidence that he enjoyed in a large measure
the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens, and also sheds a
bright light on his domestic career.
The extracts from the diaries are continuous from September of
1765 to September of 1798, with the exception of the years 1771, 1775
and 1776, the books containing which are lost.
Jacob Cox Parsons.
New York, September^ i8qs.
• }
EXTRACTS
raOM TUX
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER
1765.
September ii. — Captain Friend arrived; Andrew Hamilton went
ashore at New Castle.
September 14^ — ^Andrew Hamilton reached Philadelphia to-day — ^the
first time since his arrival from England.
October 8. — ^Took a ride with Andrew Hamilton, to try his black colt
October 26, — My mother-in-law died at seven o'clock this evening.
[She was buried in Friends' Ground on 28th.]
October J I, — My newspaper was delivered in the morning, being the
last before the Stamp Act goes into force.
November ip. — ^With wife and son Billy, went to Germantown to see
.Catharine Klages and Michael Heil married.
December 2j. — Break&sted at five o'clock at Mrs. Gray's, with Enoch
Story, Samuel Morris, Dr. John Cox, Mr. Petit, John Cadwalader,
I and Levi HoUingsworth ; then set out for Darby fox-hunting. The
number of hunters was thirty, who, by eleven o'clock, killed three
foxes. Dined at Joseph Rudolph's^ and at evening returned home
with HoUingsworth. The other hunters remained over night for
another hunt in the morning.
* 9
I
lO DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
December 27. — Set off this morning at five o'clock with Thomas
Mifflin, Sam. Miles Jacob HoUingsworth, and young Rudolph, from
my house; proceeded to Darby to meet the other gentlemen
hunters ; from there to Captain Coultas's house, and to the woods.
About thirty-five gentlemen attended with thirty dogs, but no fox
was secured.
December ^o, — Dined atGarlick Hall, on invitation of Robert Erwin,
with Joseph Fox, Thomas Willing, William Parr, Joseph Wharton
and sons Thomas and Joseph, John Ross, Tench Francis, Samuel
Mifflin, James Benezet, Wm. Jones, Judah Foulk, John Biddle,
Jacob Lewis, Henry Elves, Humphrey Robeson, Daniel Rundle,
Samuel Hassell, Peter Reeves, John Palmer, Dr.C. Evans, and after
dinner we were joined by William Fisher, Captain Coultas, and
Jonathan Humphreys.
1766.
January 3. — ^Took Joseph Galloway and Thomas Mifflin in my sleigh
to the Middle Ferry [also called Humphreys'].
January 24. — Attended a cider frolic at Greenwich Hall with the fol-
lowing gentlemen : Robert Smith, Robert Erwin, William Jones,
Richard Footman, Mr. Adcock, Captain Mushett, Philip Kinsey,
James Johnston, William Lloyd, F. Trimble, Humphrey Robeson,
and Samuel Hassell.
January 25. — Samuel Miles sent me a quarter cask of wine.
February 7. — ^Accompanied Daniel Wister to the meet at Hannah
Williams's, where we met the gentlemen hunters. Peter Wikoff
wore the brush.
February 22, — ^Went up town to Nicholas Brosius' funeral.
March 2. — ^With my wife attended the burial of Mrs. Dean.
March 4.. — ^Attended Court to give my reasons why I did not serve as
a juryman last term.
March 18, — ^Went over Schuylkill to meet D. Wister and his brother
William, and brother-in-law, Owen Jones, to shoot pigeons.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIHER. II
March ig. — Attended at Robert Smith's house-warming, with Joseph
Fox, John Lawrence, Samuel Mifflin, Will Parr, Tench Francis, T.
Francis, Judah Foulk, Henry Elves and son, William Bard, Joseph
Wood, Dr. Phineas Bond, R. Keen, and Robert Erwin.
March 24, — Mr. Willing brought the news from Maryland that the
Stamp Act had been repealed.
April 6. — ^The Court House bell was rung twice to-day for fires.
Afiri/ 7. — An express arrived last night from Maryland confirming the
report of the repeal of the Stamp Act, for which news the bells
rang all day.
April 16, — Daniel Wister went with me to the Schuylkill to see the
great freshet.
April 2p. — ^AU the public offices were opened to-day.
May 12, — ^William Jones's wife was buried to-day. x--..-----*---—
May /p. — ^This day received a copy of the repeal of the Stamp Act
on a half sheet paper from the printer, and at night drank punch
at Robert Erwin's with C. Gordon, James Pearson, and Mr.
Hutchins.
May 20, — ^To-night the citizens in general illuminated their houses for*
the repeal of the Stamp Act.
May 21. — ^A great number of gentlemen had a dinner at the State
House, during which several great guns were fired.
May 2g. — ^Daniel Wister and myself went to the Green to see a jf 10 1
race between Joseph Hogg's and John Buckingham's horses. '
June 4,, — Being the King's birthday, dined on the banks of the Schuyl-
kill in company of about 380 persons. Several healths were drunk,
among them Dr. Franklin, which gave great satis&ction to the com-
pany. A long boat was taken there on four wagon wheels, and
many great guns fired.
June 24.. — Received the news that Daniel Wister had a son bom and
named John.
/ /?i; h 1^' /^
12 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
July 6. — My Lord Hope's carriage and horses arrived.
July 30. — My wife gave birth to a son at three o'clock this morning.
^ ^ [ August 7. — In the evening went to Mrs. Gray's, and drank a bowl of
•^^f^ / punch with William Jones.
WlM> V August 20, — Robert Erwin gave a beefsteak dinner at the Bettering
House to J. Fox, Jacob Lewis, Joseph Redman, John Palmer, Robt.
Smith, John Drinker, Wm. Jones, John Parish, Nicholas Hicks,
Isaac Coates, Joseph Allen, and myself.
October 12. — ^This morning the Highlanders, Captain Stuart, came
from Lancaster.
October 21, — ^Attended the funeral of Daniel Wister's son ; he was five
months old.
November 12. — Five horses started for the £60 purse. Trial, Merry
Andrew, Sterling, Valiant, and a mare belonging to Colonel Arm-
strong. Trial won the purse.
November ij, — Four horses started in the race to-day — Smoker, Merry
Andrew, Sampson, and a little roan, belonging to Joseph Richard-
son. Smoker won.
December 11, — Opened my cask containing ten saddles and twenty-
four bridles, received from England.
^' I December 16. — Spent the evening at Mrs. Gray's with William Jones,
\%V0 ^^ I Robert Smith, and Robert Erwin.
1767.
January /. — ^Very, very cold ! Delaware frozen over. Three sleigh-
loads of us went to Darby to Joseph Rudolph's, — ^Joseph Fox,
Robert Smith, Robert Erwin and wife, William Jones and Mrs.
V I Gray, his intended, and two daughters, Hannah Gardner, John
•1^ Biddle, Leonard Stonebumer, my wife and self.
January 3, — Called in my sleigh for Mrs. Reynell, took her to see the
Bettering House, and then left her at Edward Penington's.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
13
January 6. — ^Went to Middle Ferry (Jonathan Humphreys') to see how
high the water was at twelve o'clock last night It moved the chair-
house about 100 yards. Thomas Shoemaker and I measured at
the hay barrack, below the house, where the water left a mark, and
found it had been five feet four inches.
January j^ — Spent the evening at John Biddle's, with Robert Erwin,
Robert Smith, and William Jones.
January 20, — Set off from Jonathan Humphreys' to a fox hunt with
the following gentlemen : 2^b. Rudolph, Joseph Jones, Mr. Pallard,
Cornelius Francis, Charles Willing, Sam. Morris, Anthony Morris,
Richard Bache, and James Massey^ huntsman. We afterward dined
at Massey's house.
February 2. — ^To-night with my wife, Daniel Wister, and Timothy
Matlack, attended the play called " Cato."
February 8. — ^Took a walk to near the brick kilns with Emanuel and
Jacob Carpenter, Daniel Wister and Adam Kimmell. This after-
noon William Jones a nd Mrs. Gray w ere married. . (i^^ ^|*^
February /j. — My wife and I went to the play and saw acted Romeo
and Juliet.
February /^. — ^At noon went to William Jones's to drink punch, met
several of my friends, and got decently drunk. The groom could
not be accused of the same fault
June 75. — Drank punch at John Hughes's, who lately married Stephen
Paschairs daughter.
July /.: — Last night heavy rain with thunder and lightning. The
Moravian meeting house was struck.
September ^. — ^Timothy Matlack, J. Lukens, Palmer, and myself meas*
ured the new race track very exact, and find it lacks 144 yards of
being two miles.
October Tj, — Four horses started in the 100 guinea race: Selim,
Granby, Old England, and Northumberiand. Selim won.
M 2.2 c
72./
\
f
14 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
OcUber 2j. — ^James Hamilton, Samuel Powell»and Francis Hopkinson
returned from England. *
October 26. — General Gage reviewed the troops on the Commons.
I December 12, — ^The gentlemen hunters let a fox loose at Centre Woods,
/ which afforded an agreeable ride after the hounds till dark. The
I fox ran up a tree on the Schuylkill side, and when Levi Hollings-
I worth climbed up after him, it jumped down and was killed.
December ly. — In the evening came James Wharton, Tench Tilghman,
Samuel Hudson, Zebulon Rudolph, and Joseph Jones.
? December 26. — From Rudolph's the following gentlemen, Samuel
Miles, Levi Hollingsworth, Israel Morris, Joseph Jones, Samuel
Nichols, Zebulon Rudolph, and Jeremiah Warder, went to Lower
I Tinicum fox hunting. There we were met by Charles, Richard, and
James Willing, and after riding about the woods until two o'clock,
without the sign of a fox, we returned to Joseph Rudolph's and
dined.
December ^i, — Daniel Wister was weighed to-day, 270 pounds ; and
I, 161 pounds.
1768.
February /. — ^This afternoon Captain Coultas was buried from house of
Charles Jenkins in Church ground, [comer Fifth and Arch Streets].
February ij. — ^Took a ride with James Webb, Jr., Sheriff of Lancaster
County, to the Middle Ferry, and spent the evening at John Biddle's
with Robert Smith, Robert Erwin, and Francis Trimble.
February 22. — Bought a horse of George Rosell, four years old, for
our Governor Penn — gave £2i for him.
February 2j, — Rode to Point No Point, met Edward Roberts, who
showed me his new house, and though not quite finished is very fine.
February 27. — ^Attended a barbecue at Robert Smith's country house
and from there went to William Jones's, Greenwich Hall, with the
. following gentlemen : Joe Fox, Samuel Morris, Samuel Miles,
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 1 5
Samuel Nichols, Robert Smith, John Smith, Robert Erwin, William
Jones, Francis Trimble, Captain Mushett, Captain Jones, and Henry
Elwes.
February 28, — Attended the burial of Charles Jenkins.
March 7. — ^Went with Mr. Erwin to Mr. [Richard] Hockley's, and from
there up town to a little Dutch woman, who told him where to find
four shirts that had been stolen from him.
March 12. — Drank punch with Levi HoUingsworth, who was married
last Thursday to one of Stephen Paschall's daughters.
April 75. — ^Went to the Widow Coultas's vendue ; bought seven wild
cherry tree chairs at 25 shillings and one arm chair at 60 shillings.
May ij. — Set out this morning at four o'clock, on Skewbald, and
reached Lancaster at six in the evening, although he is now fifteen
years old.
June 26. — ^This afternoon, with my two sons and Daniel Wister, went
to Joseph Galloway's place to eat turtle.
July 10. — ^This afternoon went with John Backhouse and Thomas
Shoemaker up to Joseph Galloway's place to dine with Daniel Wis-
ter, William Wister, Timothy Matlack, John Fox, Jacob Barge,
and others.
August 10. — Spent part of the evening at John Biddle's with Dr.
Smith, John Lukens, Thomas Livezey, John Paul, Robert Hooper,
and Robert Erwin.
August 12. — ^Went up Wissahickon Road to set up mile stones. Dined
at Leberon's with Hugh Roberts, Pearson Smith, Edward Milner,
and John Lukens, Sr., and afterwards, a little beyond his house, we
placed the XHI mile stone.
August 16. — ^This forenoon called at William Hamilton's place over
Schuylkill.
August 2p. — ^About nine o'clock this morning a soldier was shot for
desertion in front of the Jews' burial-ground wall.
V
\
wf^'mmmi I HJ II
16
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
(
October ^. — ^This afternoon started for the £100 purse, the gray horse
Northumberland, bay horse Granby, and bay mare Strumpet ; the
gray won two heats.
October 6. — ^Started for the Ladies' purse, Mr. Morris's colt Luggs ;
Mr. Coryell's bay mare Bungtown Maid ; Mr. Peterson's horse
Brinton ; my mare Pallas ; all three years old. Luggs won ; made
the first heat in 4 m. 17s.; second heat, 4 m. 23 s.
October <?. — ^The City Plate of £$0 was run for by Strumpet, Ladylegs,
Nancy Dawson, and Granby ; Strumpet won.
October p. — Dined at Galloway's place with Israel Waters, Daniel
Wister, Jacob Barge, Joseph Fox, Timothy Matlack, and Owen
November 5. — Dined at Qr^enwicn Hal l on beefsteaks, with Joseph
Fox, W. Parr, Sam. Morris, Judah Foulk, Clem. Biddle, Robert
Erwin, William Jones, Andrew Bankson, and Philip Kinsey.
December 5. — ^At night came here seven black horses belonging to the
Duchess of Gordon.
December 12. — ^Went to Darby to burial of John Rudolph. Israel
Morris, Samuel Nichols, Joseph Jones, and myself carried the corpse
to the grave in the Friends' ground at Darby.
1769.
January j, — ^To-night went to the play with Israel Waters to see " A
Bold Stroke for a Wife."
January /j. — Dined at Greenwich Hall with Sheriff Joseph Redman,
Sam. Morris, Robert Tuckness, Robert Erwin, Reynold Keen, John
de Haas, and Andrew Bankson.
January 75. — I had to dinner with me Emanuel and Jacob Carpenter,
Joseph Redman, Samuel Morris, Daniel Wister, and William Jones.
February 11. — My horse fell with me at the Barracks and hurt my arm.
March 5. — Robert Hopkins's house at Point No Point was burned to
the ground yesterday.
Li. ^ e>l_~-^.^.;_
« •*••« ^ ^B^ > ii K Bi ^ 4 iij| l fc ,^.« ^.i^
> I i**fc Hl tWia , I
• HO " »yi^«i— pa I I i^>^»*«»»»i^
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMBR.
i;
April 6. — Dr. Koarsley, Colonel Jones, and W. B. Hockley drank tea
with me.
April lo. — My three children were inoculated by Dr. Kearsley.
April ij, — ^John Holland was branded in the hand at the State House
for manslaughter.
April 75. — Dined on fish at Greenwich Hall with Joseph Fox, Samuel
Mifflin, )^illiam Parr, Judah Foulk, Tench Francis, Reynold Keen,
Andrew Bankson, Henry Drinker, Joseph Wharton, Edward Pen-
ington. Captain Story, Dr. Evans, Robert Smith, Robert Erwin,
William Jones, James Hartley, and Mr. Bard.
May 12. — In the morning took a ride with Joseph Redman in my
chair. Drank punch with Henry Keppele, Jr., and wished him joy
on birth of a son. Afterwards went to see the race between Mr.
J 's horse. Sportsman, and Dr. Kearsley's black colt, 3 years
old, for a quarter cask of wine. Sportsman won.
/$ify 7. — Went with wife and son Tommy to Galloway's place, and dined
with John Wister and wife, Daniel Wister and wife, the Widow
Chancellor, William Wister, and George Smith and his mother-in-
law.
July ij. — ^Took John Reynell and wife out in his own wagon with my
horse.
July 22. — Dined at Greenwich Hall with Joseph Galloway, Joseph Fox,
John Ross, Abel James, Thomas Tilbury, Samuel Bryan, Tench
Francis, Joseph Wharton, Robert Smith, and others.
August 24^ — ^Yesterday put two men to. work on the race track, and
this afternoon drove Daniel Wister*s pair of horses thrice around,
the track.
August 2$. — My wife and self attended the funeral of Samuel Ash at
Darby ; he was buried in Friends' ground there.
August 2g, — At four o'clock this morning we looked at the comet, near
the Seven Stars.
September 2. — ^Timothy Matlack, my two sons, and self went up to
1 8 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
Joseph Galloway's place to see Whitehead Jones raise Daniel
Wister's barn, and after dinner had a bull bait
September g. — Last night Penington's lumber store burned down, caused
by lime slacking. Walked to Centre Woods, where I found above
one hundred trees blown down.
September ij. — Whitehead Jones and myself laid a trunk at the race-
ground, and Jonathan Humphreys sent his team for a day's hauling.
September 14. — Went to see the English cattle which arrived a few days
ago.
September 28. — At noon started for the £100 purse the following
horses: James DeLancey's bay horse, Lath; Mr. McGill's bay
horse, Nonpareil ; Governor Sharp's gray mare, Britannia ; Richard
Tidmarsh's gray mare, Northumberland. Lath won.
September pp. — Started for the £^0 plate, Archibald Dick's gray colt,
William Baxter's filly, James De Lancey's brown filly, Dr. Kearsley's
black colt, and Mr. Leary's Old England. Three heats were run
and the gray won.
October //. — Spent the evening at the Widow Jenkins with John and
George Ross, Jacob Carpenter, Henry Pauling, Squire Swope,
Daniel Wister, Timothy Matlack, Peter Bachman, George Hitner,
and Owen Jones, Jr.
Novembers. — Went with Mr. Vorhees and John Hunt to the race
ground, and had a race.
December /. — Breakfasted at Galloway's place with Timothy Matlack,
Daniel Wister, and Hoffman. In the afternoon, with wife, attended
the burial of Mrs. Coultas— body taken from the Widow Jenkins's
house to Church ground.
December 2. — Dined at Greenwich Hall with Thomas Lawrence,
Joseph Fox, Joseph Redman, Colonel Francis, William Parr, Captain
Morrell, Joseph Wharton, '^Dr. Evans, George Roberts, and other
friends.
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 1 9
December 5. — ^Attended William Hamilton's vendue, and bought three
pigs for 19s. 6d.
December 75. — With Robert Erwin went to Daniel Grant's, where we
met John Lawrence, from Burlington, Joseph Wharton, Robert
Smith, and William Jones ; spent the evening there, and got home
at midnight."
December 26. — Met the German Society at the Lutheran Schoolhouse.
December 2j. — ^Joseph Fox, Captain Morrell, John Palmer, John
Lukens, Robert Erwin, Edward Penington, Reynold Keen, and
William Jones dined with me. Richard Bache came in after dinner
was over.
1770.
January /. — Accompanied Joseph Redman in his chair to Reynold
Keen's place and dined with Clement Biddle and other friends.
January 7. — Sunday. Read a sermon delivered by Morgan Edwards
on 1st inst, in the Baptist church in this city, wherein he modestly
foretells his own death.
January 10, — ^Went to John Biddle's to see John Cameron, who is
very ill.
January /p. — Doctor Kearsley took a bean out of the eye of my son
Tommy, that has been in forty-five hours.
January 20. — ^This afternoon went to John Biddle's with my sleigh
and took John Cameron, who is very ill and anxious to reach his
home at Lancaster, as far as Stadelman's, 13 miles from the city.
January 21, — Remained all day at Stadelman's ; Cameron very bad.
January 22, — Returned home with my sleigh, as the road is rough and
very little snow. Promised Cameron to return with a carriage.
January 24^ — Dr. Thomas Bond visited Cameron; he is growing
worse.
January 25. — ^This morning at 6 o'clock John Cameron departed this
life at Stadelman's.
20 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
January 26. — ^Sent my two men up to Stadelman's with a coffin for
John Cameron and to bring his remains to the city.
January 2 J. — ^The corpse of John Cameron was brought to my house,
and at four o'clock it was buried in the Presb3^erian ground in the
lower part of the city. Emanuel Carpenter stnd Daniel Wister were
chief mourners.
March j. — ^Took John Lukens and wife and William Scull in my sleigh
to Camptown ; later went with Samuel Miles, his wife and sister,
and my wife to Frankford.
March 6. — ^To-day James DeLancey, from New York, and Timothy
Matlack, had a great cock fight at Richardson's, up Germantown
Road.
March 10. — ^This evening the Amicable Fire Company met at the
Widow Jenkins'Si I paid 50 shillings toward the new engine made
by Richard Mason, which is the eighth he has made. It is said that
he made the first fire engine in this country.
March 12. — Spent part of the afternoon with Matthew Clarkson on
Third Street
March 75. — Edward Penington and Clement Biddle called on me with
a subscription paper to encourage silk to be made here. I have
subscribed 40 shillings. At night went to the church on Fourth
Street [St. George's] to hear Mr. Pilmore preach a sermon for the
benefit of prisoners, on Proverbs xxv, 21, 22.
April 2. — ^Took a sleigh ride, the " five mile round," with wife, sister,
and son Tommy ; stopped at Daniel Grant's and had a bowl of punch.
April 16. — Drank punch at William Jones's house with his new son-
in-law, Anthony Morris.
April 21. — ^Took a ride with John Bullon to our race ground. Mrs;
Duffield, Mrs. Clarkson, and Mrs. Hillegas spent the afternoon at
my house.
May 2, — A race for jf 20 was run between Dr. Kearsley's gray mare
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 21
and Alvaro Dioraella's brown mare, bred by myself, a single two
miles ; the brown beat with ease.
^V 3* — My wife and self attended the burial of John Wister's wife
in Friends' ground.
May 5. — For a little diversion, this afternoon had a mile race between i
a bay horse and a bay mare of mine, and brown mare of Mr. Dior- /
nella ; the bay horse won. '
May 8, — Went up to Captain Macpherson's place [Mount Pleasant]
and breakfasted with Alvaro Diomella, who has rented it for the
summer.
May 77. — In the evening went to hear Mr. Whitefield preach at the
New Building.
May 20. — ^Attended the funeral of a son of Henry Keppele, Jr.
May 2j. — ^Took a ride with Edward Shippen to buy a pair of black
horses.
May 24. — ^Attended Tench Francis's vendue, two miles from town,
where I bought six acres of land at £n per acre. At the same
time was sold thirty-four lots, containing 331 acres, which amounted
to jf 7544. [This little farm Mr. Hiltzheimer called Gravel Hill.J
June ij. — ^This evening went with Andrew Hamilton to Jonathan
Humphreys' and had a bowl of good punch.
June /p. — Coming home with Owen Jones, Jr., from Galloway's place,
met Richard Wister and Owen Jones, Sr., who made us return with
them. At noon went to drink punch with Richard Roberts, on
account of his being lately married to a young woman from Mary-
land.
July p.— Went to Gravel Hill, and from thence to Tench Francis's.
* He and I took a walk to the Schuylkill.
July II. — ^This morning left for New York Sir William Draper, who
has been here about a week.
22 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
July 12. — Heavy thunder gust this afternoon. The lightning struck
Sarah Emlen's two new houses on Market Street.
July 14, — Went to the State House this afternoon, where a meeting
was called to consult about a further non-importation of goods from
Great Britain, although the Yorkers have broke their agreement.
July //. — Went to Gravel Hill with wife and children and there made
a punch out of the new spring water, from the spring opened this
morning.
July 2j. — ^This afternoon my wife went to the funeral of old Mrs.
Hillegas, in the Church Burying-ground.
July 28. — My wife and self spent the day at Fort St. David's with
friends, and Mr. Alexander Alair was kind enough to cook for the
company.
August 26. — ^With Thomas Wishard went to Bank meeting^ on Front
Street, to hear Rebecca Jones preach.
(August J I, — Early this morning Timothy Matlackand myself went to
the race track to see the brown colt Regulus run the two miles,
which he did in four minutes and a quarter. *"
September p. — I went up to the race ground to hear Mr. Pilmore, the
Methodist preacher ; he spoke from one of the stands.
September 75. — ^To-day read the first part of Goddard's article against
Joseph Galloway and Thomas Wharton.
September 27. — This afternoon went to the town meeting at the State
House, where it was agreed that further non-importation was nec-
essary, a few articles only excepted. Joseph Fox, who was chair-
man, requested Charles Thomson to speak for him.
October /. — Went to the State House to give in my vote for Judah
Foulk for Sheriff; Joseph Fox, Michael Hillegas, Henry Pawling,
Thomas Livezey, Thomas Mifflin, George Gray, Samuel Miles, and
Edward Penington, for Assemblymen.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 23
October 12. — ^At noon started for the £<fi purse the following horses :
James DeLancey's b. f. Angelica i 4 i
Captain McDaniel's bl. f. Blackbird, i dist.
Dr. Kearsley's bl. colt Steady, 3 2 3
Governor Sharp's c. f. Creeping Kate 4 3 4
J. Hiltzheimer's b. coh Regains, $ i 2
James Boyd's g. colt Belt» dist.
October 20, — Dined at Greenwich Hall with the following gentlemen :
Joseph Fox, Samuel Swift, John Chevalier, John Biddle, Thomas
Wharton, Thomas Tilbury, Caleb Cash, John Mifflin, Dr. C. Evans,
Henry Drinker, James Foster, Judah Foulk, and others. A num-
ber of the gentlemen went in a new stage wagon drawn by four
horses.
October 25. — ^Set out for Long Island.
October 26. — Breakfasted and dined at Wilson Hunt* s, at Maidenhead,
from thence John Hunt and self proceeded to Woodbridge and lodged
at Nathaniel Heard's.
October 27, — Proceeded to the New Blaze and Star Ferry, to Anthony
Water's Ferry, to Fowl's Hook Ferry, to East River Ferry, and came
to Oliver Waters's, on Long Island, where we lodged.
October 28. — Dined at Waters's with Mr. Johnson, Mr. Grallomore, Mr.
Read, Mr. Hilton, Nathaniel Heard, John Van Horn, David Reed,
Mr. Hendrickson, and Elijah Lawrence. After dinner to Jamaica,
where we lodged at a public house.
October 2p, — ^Went to the race ground, Hempstead Plains, where
started for the £^0 purse the following horses : —
Dr. Kearsley's b. c. Steady, 4 years, • i 2
Mr. Hart's b. f. Blackbird, 3 years, 2 3
Walters & Hiltzheimer's b. c. Regulus, 4 years. ..... 3 i
The rider of Regulus losing his cap, his second heat was given to
Steady. Lodged at Valentine's.
October JO. — ^This morning a number of gentlemen had a fox hunt
i
I
24 • DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
At noon five horses ran for another purse of £$0. Lodged at Wil
Ham Furman's for the night.
October ji, — Crossed the ferry at the Narrows, reached Woodbridge,
where we nighted.
November /. — Returned to Wilson Hunt's. Will leave for home in
the morning.
1772.
M(^ 14,. — ^Took a ride to my lot with Andrew Hamilton and Major
Robert Bayard, to try a pair of horses.
May ij. — ^Went to church twice at the Academy, now being used by
our congregation during the erection of our church on Race Street
May ig. — Sold my pair of black horses; Gentle and Partner, to George
Emlen, Jr., for £^o.
May 22, — The Hon. Richard Penn, Governor of the Province, was
married to Polly Masters last evening, and so was Samuel Meredith
to one of Dr. Cadwalader's daughters.
\Jidy 12. — Mr. Cadwalader came after the bay colt Juniper. I sold him
I for ;f 1 15.
August 4,. — ^Took a ride with my wife to Schuylkill, to see two men
and three women baptized, among them Hannah Gardner, formerly
a Friend.
August 24. — ^Took a ride with Geoi^e Mifflin to the race ground and
drove around the track. After sundown there were fireworks at
the State House.
f\ September 4, — Early this morning James Buchanan, with his bay mare,
I Nancy Dawson, rode k match against time for 20 guineas. He
I was to ride fifteen miles around our race track in one hour, and he
I performed it in fifty-six minutes.
September ig. — With my wife and children went to see Jacob Bates
perform in my lot, up Market Street, different feats of horsemanship
on one, two, and three horses.
•■p«i>*«ana»
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIHER. 2$
October /j. — ^Took a ride with Messrs. Huger and Izard, of South
Carolina.
November 2j. — ^This evening went to the Widow Spence's ; there
supped on venison with the following gentlemen : Robert Willian
Jones, Richard Footman, Mr. Freeman, and SutlifT. Jacob Bates
gave the supper on account of his leaving tiie city for Carolina.
December ii. — I received a letter from my brother-in-law, Conrad
Eberle, in Germany, giving an account of my mother's death.
December 28, — Spent the fore part of the evening with Anthony Qar-
son at his lodgings ; from there to John Biddle's with Joseph Gal-
loway, Abel James, Judah Foulk, and William Parr. Being joined
by Robert Erwin and William Jones, we went to Mary Jenkins's, and
had supper about one o'clock.
1773.
January 10, — ^Called to see Samuel Miles, in Second Street, who is sick,
and from there went to the burial of Joseph Pott's second wife (a
Powell) from their house on Race Street Samuel Emlen, who
returned from England yesterday, preached.
January ly, — ^This afternoon attended the burial of John Biddle's wife ;
walked with Joseph Pembertbn [son of Israel] ; Samuel Emlen
preached.
January ig, — Confined to my bed by an injury to my leg.
January jo, — Thomas Mifflin, Andrew Hamilton, Norton Pryor, and
Mr. Stonebumer called to see me in my room.
February 4., — My wife and I intended to go to the burial of Clehient
Biddle's wife, but the weather being bad and I lame, we remained at
home.
February 22. — ^Very cold ! The Delaware froze fcist last night. At
6 A. M. Daniel Wister's thermometer was 4 below o, and ^ a. m.
below o; Thomas Piyor's, the same hour, o. It thus appears that
3
i«^«MK>*MaaMB>««M««««*Wi
26 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
is 2^ colder in Market Street than it is in Water Street. Both ther-
mometers were exposed to the air.
February 27. — ^Andrew Hamilton spent the evening at my house.
March /. — Dined at the new ferry, Penrose's, with ten gentlemen.
March //. — Received a letter from John Allen in England, requesting
me to look out for two or three horses for John Penn, Esq.
March 27. — At 3 o'clock this morning a fire broke out in the store of
John Mease. The loss was considerable.
May 7. — Went to Falls of Schuylkill and dined with James and
Charles Biddle, Jacob Bates, Philip Kinsey, Captain Heysham, John
Mease, R. Keen, Edward Milner, and others.
May 2g. — Went to Robert Smith's place, now kept by Thomas Musher,
and dined with Joseph Fox, William Parr, Judah Foulk, Joseph
Redman, Charles Jarvis, Joseph Wharton, Richard Peters, Robert
Smith, Francis Trimble, Edward Milner, and others.
July 6. — Received a letter together with three mares from England, the
property of John Penn, Proprietor of Pennsylvania.
Jidy p. — ^Thermometer 92®. Went over the Schuylkill to the Liberty
Fish House ; (here dined with thirty gentlemen, at the invitation of
Robert Roberts. After dinner crossed the Schuylkill to General
Mifflin's house, to look at the wind-mill pumping water for his
garden.
July 27. — Visited Baker's on Vine Street to see the electrical fish,
where ten persons on taking hold of hands and holding the fish
received a shock.
August 26, — This afternoon John Allen, Esq., arrived from New York.
He recently returned from England, where he has been since May
August 2p, — ^John Penn with his lady arrived this afternoon ; he is to
succeed his brother Richard as Governor of this Province.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
27
August JO. — At 12 o'clock John Penn, Esq., was proclaimed Governor
of Pennsylvania.
August J/. — ^This morning Governor John Penn came to my stables
to look at his mares, sent from England, prior to his leaving. He
was very courteous.
September JO. — Spent this evening at John Biddle's with G>lonel
Francis, Pearson Smith, Nathaniel Hyde, William Parr, William
Jones, Judah Foulk, and Robert Erwin. Robert Erwin bought
Garrick's house on Sixth Street for ;f 520 at the Coffee House this
evening.
October 11. — Entered my son William at the Academy, and paid the
entrance fee, 20 shillings.
October /j.-7-In the evening went to tiie State House to hear the trial
between the Proprietor and one Mr. Baron, concerning 244 feet of
land on South Street The attorneys for the Proprietor were Andrew
and James Allen, and yames Tilghman ; for Mr. Baron, Edward
Biddle, Joseph Read, and Joseph Galloway.
October ji. — William Jones, Thomas and Norton Pryor, and Charles
Massey went with me to Mud Island to see the Fort, which was
commenced about seventeen months ago. We all dined at Samuel
Penrose's Schuylkill Ferry.
November 6. — ^Went down with Mr. Lawrence and Allen to Robert
Erwin's place, called Primefield, to dine on beefsteaks with a number
of gentlemen. I remember the names of the following : Judge
Lawrence, James Allen, Joseph Fox, Turbot Francis, Tench Francis,
John Kidd, Robert Morris, Anthony Morris, Richard Bache, Robert
Smith, William Jones, George Roberts, John Lukens, Surveyor
General, Samuel Hudson, Richard Peters, Captain St. Clair, Richard
Footman, and Jacob Lewis.
November 16. — Entered my son Robert at the Academy yesterday.
December 2j. — Samuel Howell informed me that the tea ship had
arrived at Chester.
I
rmmmmm^
28 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZH£IM£R.
December *2T. — ^There was a meeting at the State House, where it was
agreed that the tea should be taken back to England.
1774.
January 22. — With Charles Massey and my two sons, went to the
Schuylkill to see Massey skate. He is considered to be one of the
best in the city.
January 26, — ^Att^nded the burial of William Ibison, from the house
of Isaac Howell to Friends' ground.
January 2g, — In the afternoon went down to the wharf to see the
skaters on the Delaware ; afterward to John Wister's, where I drank
coffee with Richard Wister, Casper Wister, Daniel Wister and wife,
Benjamin Morgan and wife, Samuel' Miles and wife, and William
Wister.
February 5.— Dined at Greenwich Hall with the following gentlemen :
Joseph Galloway, John Lawrence, Samuel Mifflin, James Allen,
William Parr, Major Harry Gordon, Major David Hay, Joseph
Wharton, Charles Jarvis, William Jones, Richard Peters, Jr., John
Shee, Joseph Fox, and others. On the way home the horses of
John Lawrence and James Allen broke some parts of their harness,
r^ off, and left the sleigh. I went home on horseback, had my
horses put into my sleigh, and drove down to Sam Casin's tavern
and there found the gentlemen who had been cast away. We
reached home before midnight.
Febnuary 7. — This morning George and David Seckel killed my big
steer, named Roger, near six years old.
February 8. — ^This afternoon Roger was weighed at Seckel's slaughter
house (1332 lbs.) in the presence of the following gentlemen: Tim-
othy Matlack, Joseph Fox, Andrew Allen, James Allen, Samuel
Mifflin, William Parr, Samuel Hudson, Josiah Hewes, Tench Tilgh-
man, Samuel Massey, Reynold Keen, Andrew Hamilton, James
»»l| I l» I i ^ I i l— «fw*i»^»
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
29
Wharton, Joseph Redman, Joseph Wharton, William SheafT, and
others.
February 10. — ^Took my wife in sleigh down to MuUin's, and had a
beefsteak off my big steer Roger. Thomas Mifflin with a sleigh
full of gentlemen joined us.
February 12, — Dined on " Roger " beefsteaks at MuUin's, on the banks
of Schuylkill, with the following gentlemen : Major Hay, Major
Hamilton, Thomas Lawrence, Thomas Lawrence, Jr., Andrew
Hamilton, Richard Peters, Samuel Mifflin, John Kidd, James Allen,
Tench Tilghman, W. B. Hockley, Joseph Fox, and others.
February 24.. — Accompanied Andrew Hamilton to the Middle Ferry
to see the ice move, which it did several times and then stopped.
February 25. — ^Went out to Joseph Ogden*s at Middle Ferry and found
the river clear of ice and people crossing, which has not been the
case for near a week.
March /. — Joseph Fox» Michael Hillegas, Samuel Rhoads, Richard
Peters, Jr., and self went down to Province Island to attend- the
vendue of Samuel Penrose. Dined at the Ferry-house, now kept
by Joseph Rudolp h.
March 8. — ^Spent part of the afternoon at John Wister's, and drank
coflee with Richard, Daniel, and William Wister.
March 10. — ^This afternoon my wife and I went to the burial of Judah
son of John Lukens. A. Howell preached and I walked with John
Little. From thence went to visit Charles Massey, who has been
ill for over three weeks, and to Thomas Pryor's,' where we spent the
evening.
March ji. — ^With my sons Billy and Bobby set out on horseback for
Wilson Hunt's, in New Jersey.
April J, — ^Went to Maidenhead meeting-house and heard the Rev.
Mr. Spencer preach Ihe funeral sermon of Captain John Anderson,
who died a few weeks since, and at the same time was btiried his
son Samuel. The text was Job xiv, 14.
.w1
IJi IIII M I ■— | ..-— ..-^-
30 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
April S' — Arrived home to-day from my visit to Wilson Hunt and
friends in New Jersey.
April 6. — In the forenoon attended court and was bound in the sum
of £$0 to appear at next court in the case of Galloway and GrifTen.
Drove down to Ogden's Ferry and had a shad dinner with Tench
and James Tilghman, Andrew Hamilton, J. Hewes, William B.
Hockley, and a young physician.
April 18. — ^Summoned to the Court House by Jacob Duche and
Gibson Esqrs., to make one of a jury to decide whether John Per-
kins is to move out of the house of William Gray or not We soon
agreed that he should move.
April 24. — ^With Thomas Pryor, attended the funeral of George Kem-
ble at the Church burying-ground.
April 27. — Thermometer at 2 p. m., 84 J^®.
May 3, — ^The effigies of Alexander Widderbum, Esq., and of Thomas
Hutchinson, Governor of Massachusetts Bay, after being exposed
for several hours in a cart, were hung on a gallows erected near the
Coffee House, det on fire by electric fire, and consumed to ashes,
about 6 o'clock in the evening.
May 4.. — ^This morning the houses are all covered with snow.
May 5. — Cold enough to make ice, which near my front door meas-
ured from one-quarter to one-half an inch thick.
May I J. — In the evening went to the Academy to hear Rev. Mr.
• Pearsey (who is called the second Whitefield) preach on the text,
Romans xiv, 17.
May 14., — ^Attended the burial of Samuel Howell's daughter > walked
with James Wharton; from thence to Bank Meeting to hear
Walker, an Englishman, preach.
June 5. — Attended for the first time our new church on Race Street,
and took possession of a seat in pew No. 52.
June 12. — Returning from a ride with Thomas Pryor to the meadows.
I i »' i rmrixwwt i f 1 . . «■ ni^ m. r ■■■. mi m m \ I" I* I ii I ■a t-fg ' . . . . ^•^i— >■, « * i.t ■.- -.-- .. _
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 3 1
stopped at Mushett's and had some punch with Robert Smith,
Robert Erwin, William Jones, Captain Jones, Captain Long, and
Carpenter Wharton.
June 18. — ^This afternoon went to the State House and heard the fol-
lowing gentlemen speak on the Boston Port Bill : Charles Thomson,
Joseph Reed, John Ross, James Allen, Thomas Mifflin, George
Roberts, Rev. Dr. Smith, and John Dickinson.
July I J, — Gave the Rev. Mr. Pearsey a ride to the Falls of Schuylkill
and from thence to Germantown Road and home.
July 25. — ^Went to the burial of Robert Glenn, from J. M. Nesbitt's,
to ground in Pine Street.
August 2, — ^While observing my haymakers in Tilghman's lot, Tench
Francis invited me to his house, where I met Thomas Willing, Esq.,
and we drank punch.
August 77.— To-day Mr. Middleton, one of the delegates from South /
Carolina, sent to my stables four long-tail English horses. '
.August 20. — ^This evening Thomas Gushing, Samuel Adams, John
Adams, and Robert Treat Paine, delegates from Boston, came to
town.
September 7. — Forenoon went to church to hear Rev. Mr. Weinberg
preach a sermon suitable to the meeting of the great Congress in
this city on Monday next
September £. — This forenoon the Congress met in Carpenters' Hall,
forty odd delegates present, who chose Pej^on Randolph, of Virginia,
Chairman, and Charles Thomson (who is not a delegate) to be their
Secretary.
September 6. — News was received from Boston of six men being killed
by the soldiers of General Gage.
September lo. — ^A part of tiie new gaol, opposite the State House, was
raised to-day, and to commemorate the event Joseph Fox and
Edward Duffield, managers, gave the workmen a supper. Subse-
■m III 1 1 . 1 m i '
%
32 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHBIMER.
quently they asked a few of their friends to dine with them in the
northeast corner room of the building — ^viz., William Fisher, Mayor ;
Thomas Lawrence, Sr., Peter Reeves, Robert Smith, Robert
Erwin, James Pearson, Reynold Keen, Judah Foulk, John Lukens,
William Jones, William Gray, and myself.
September 75. — ^This forenoon went to the burial of Richard Hockley,
Esq., in Baptist ground. I walked with William Hoffman, who is
in bad health.
September 16. — Met the Amicable Fire Company at the Liberty Fish
House, where I dined with about twenty members. The dinner
was g^ven by Robert Roberts. A dinner was also given by a num-
ber of gentlemen, in the State House, to the Delegates now sitting
in Carpenters' Hall.
October 75. — ^About one o'clock Thomas Pryorand I started on horse-
% back to dine over Schuylkill, but we had not gone fifty yards before
I was suddenly seized by a great pain in my right hip and forced to
return. Doctors Cadwalader,Bond and Kearsley, were immediately
summoned to my bedside, but could give me but little relief.
October 77. — My pain still continued excessive, but with the help of a
clever little Irish woman named Darrah, I got some relief by a
clyster.
October 20. — ^The Rev. William Pearsey, chaplain to the Right Honor-
able the Countess of Huntingdon, called to see me.
October 21. — ^This afternoon Joseph Potts called, and feeling well
enough I took a ride in his phaeton.
October 26, — Rev. Mr. Pearsey preached his farewell sermon in the
Arch street Presbyterian Meeting-house.
1777.
February 12. — In the afternoon went with Robert Tuckness to the
burial of Robert Smith, carpenter, at Friends' ground, Arch Street.
■^xm*
• DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 33
February 20. — Leased Province Island for three years at £100 per
annum.
March p. — Dined at Province Island with Colonel George Taylor,
Colonel Brodhead, Colonel William Henry, Robert Erwin, Samuel
Penrose, Jesse Bonsall, Matthew Jones, William Jones, Caleb Ash,
Charles Jervis, and Captain John Webb. Webb has leased the
tavern, ferry, and about eight acres of land for one year, at i^po.
March 14^ — Went out to the Schuylkill to see what progress has been
made with the Continental stables, and there met Major Jonathan
Mifflin.
March 18. — ^To-day staked out tiie light-horse stable at Schuylkill.
April 16. — ^With General Mifflin inspected the light-horse stables.
April ly. — Breakfcisted at Mr. John Mifflin's with General Thomas
Mifflin, Major Jonathan Mjfflin, and Major Ottendorf. Spent part
of the evening with Mr. John Hancock, president of Congress, in
Chestnut Street
April 22. — Captain Hart to-day is moving the Continental horses and
wagons from Tench Francis's lot to mine.
May J. — Received an order from the Council of Safety to prevent tiie
cutting of wood at Centre Woods.
May y. — Removed sixty-one Continental horses from Hog Island to
Province Island.
May 22. — ^Went to Kensington with Generals Schuyler and Mifflin to
examine the boats attached to wagons, and from thence to Province
Island with General Mifflin. In the evening took a walk witii Gen-
erals Schuyler and Mifflin, Mr. Middleton, and several Delegs^tes to
Congress to examine the bridge over Schuylkill and the stables.
June 2. — ^Went down to Province Island, where I sold 80 Continental
horses.
June 6. — ^Above 30 wagons returned with loads from Sinnepuxent
T — *-
34 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHBIMER.
June //. — Out by the Schuylkill met Generals Gates and Mifllin, with
Mrs. Dickinson, and took them to see the Continental stables.
June 2j, — ^Walked out to the Schuylkill stables to see the troop of
light-horse that arrived last night
June ^o, — Found the Schuylkill stables filled with light-horse; visited
also Governor Penn's woods to see the camp of the North Carolina
troops.
July I J, — Called to see Greneral Gates on Front Street, and from thence
to church.
July 27. — Called to see General MifRin, who left our army last evening,
who informed me that the British are coming into our capes, where
seventy sail have already appeared.
July 28. — ^This afternoon I paid Jacob Graff, Jr., for the house and lot
at the southwest corner of Seventh and Market Streets £177$* ^^^
received the deed for the same.
Jtily JO. — ^Accompanied Captain Van Heer to Province Island and then
to the camp at the five-mile stone on Chester Road.
July J I. — ^At ten o'clock to-night His Excellency General Washington
came to town with about 200 light-horse.
August J. — ^Joseph Thomburg, Wagon Master General, spent part of
the afternoon at my house.
August 7. — ^Visited the encampment near and about Germantown, and
John Vanderen's mill.
August 24. — Sunday. A shower of rain in the morning. Our army,
commanded by His Excellency General Washington, marched
through this city, crossed the bridge over Schuylkill, proceeded
four miles, and then turned back.
August ji, — Called on William Moulder to inquire what forage he
had in store.
September 7. — In the forenoon went to Mr. Hancock's to see his lady
off to Boston.
_.«w ;. ,.
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^iMP-««i»^i-«^h«»^'^M«»««H
^mmHmmmmttmtiir'^^-r'*^
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
35
Septe^nber Ji. — His Excellency General Washington had an engage-
ment with General Howe at Brandywine. [Mr. Hiltzheimer records
that the loss of the British in killed and wounded was 1976, which
was ascertained from an Orderly Book found on an officer killed at
Germantown. — Ed.]
September 14., — ^Went with my sons to Province Island to bring off the
Continental horses, as the island is to be put under water by
Colonel Joseph Penrose, under orders of General Washington.
September 16. — ^About eleven o'clock, General Coudray, with nine
French officers, set out for camp over Schuylkill. The General
being mounted in the boat, his horse became restive and jumped
overboard with him, and the General was drowned. I was present
when his body was recovered, toward evening.
September ip, — ^At one o'clock this morning news came to town that
General Howe's army was crossing the Schuylkill at Swedes' Ford,
which set many people moving. Congress and other public bodies
left before daylight I sent off George Nelson with the money,
books, and papers belonging to the public to Abraham Hunt's, in
New Jersey, and one load of my private goods to Peter Trexler's, in
Northampton County.
September 20. — ^The reported crossing of the enemy proves to be un-
true.
September 2j. — ^The city much alarmed and people moving out.
September 24. — Left Philadelphia with my whole family ; dined at
Bristol, and from thence to Abraham Hunt's, at Trenton, where we
were kindly received.
September 26, — ^This day the English entered Philadelphia.
October s. — Sent off David Kinney with two wagons, with my goods, for
Reading.
October 6. — ^Set out from Trenton with my family for Reading, crossed
the Delaware at Coryell's, and was directed to one Armatage, Bucks
m t m
p^NVMiai^VN*^
Y
5
'1
36 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMBR.
County, bqt he refused to give us lodgings, as did one Balderston,
at the next form, but at the third farm we were more fortunate.
October 7. — Reached George Taylor's at Galloway's Iron Works
(Durham), where we had everything we could desire.
October 8. — Dined at Bethlehem, and then proceeded to Squire Peter
Trexler's, who received us with great good will.
October g. — ^Sent on Nelson and Kinney with the wagons, but remained
another day owing to the rain.
October 10. — ^Arrived at Reading, where we were received by Gen-
eral Mifflin in his usual warm manner.
October 11. — Break&sted with Colonel Mark Burd. Took a ride with
the General to his &rm, three miles from Reading, which he calls
Angelica. In the evening removed my family thither, where was
provided for us a good house, with the service of John Schmucker,
the tenant.
October 12. — General Mifflin, Colonel Mifflin, Colonel Matthew Irwin,
and Anthony Butler rode out to visit me.
October 13. — Rode into Reading and dined at Samuel Morris's with
Hall, the printer.
October 17, — ^At 10 o'clock to-night John White arrived with the good
news that General Grates had captured Burgoyne and his whole
army.
October 23. — ^We heard great firing this forenoon.
October 25. — -Called to see General Mifflin, who read me a letter, which
gave an account of the destruction of two British men-of-war in
the Delaware and the defeat of the Hessians at Red Bank.
«
Novembers, — General Mifflin, his lady, Miss Rebecca Mifflin, the
two Misses Morris, Hannah Sherman, and Colonel George Gibson
called to see us.
November 11. — Greneral Mifflin, Major Benjamin Eyre, and myself
W* . I *h i
Mfef^M
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
took a walk over part of the General's land He owns 628 acres
for which he paid £goso,
Ncvember ij. — I dispatched Barney Hart with six teams for South
Carolina.
November 16. — Lady Gates, en route for Albany, arrived at Reading,
and then called at my house.
November 21. — Cloudy, raw, and some little rain. This morning
after seven o'clock we felt the shock of an earthquake.
November 25. — General MifHin and Colonel Lutterloh called to see
me, and accompanied them to Reading, where I dined at the Gen-
eral's with General Conway and other officers of the army.
December 3. — General Mifflin had a stable raised by a few Continental
carpenters, and had the following gentlemen to dine with him:
Samuel Mifflin, Jonathan Mifflin, James Biddle, John Biddle, Joseph
Wood, William Richards, Joseph Redman, Jr., Jonathan Potts, Levi
Hollingsworth, Richard Humphreys, Mr. Hall, the printer, Samuel
Morris, Jr., Mr, Crauch, Anthony Butler, Dr. Kennedy, James Searle,
Benjamin Eyre, Mark Burd, and Matthew Irwin.
December 5. — General Mifflin„ Colonel Jonathan Mifflin, Colonel
Humpton and Colonel Baylow called to see me. In the afternoon
I went to Reading to attend the burial of Mrs. Keen, and, with
Jonathan Mifflin, Benjamin Eyre, and Richard Humphreys, carried
her body to the grave.
December y, — Dined with me Captains Nichols and Fanwick, both
naval prisoners of war.
December ij. — Went to town with Captain Charles Souder, and dined
with Mrs. Mifflin and her two sisters; the Greneral away from
home. After dinner was over, Mr. George Mifflin came in, who
left Philadelphia last Wednesday. He told us that a pound of meat
is worth 3s. pd.; sugar, 3s. 6d. ;tea, 35s.; quarter of a hundred
of flour, 17s. 6d., all hard money; wood, £^ without hauling.
r^tmfmfxm^—m*
38 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHSIMEIL .
December //. — Met John Biddle, Esq., in Reading, to arrange for hay
for the poor Continental horses here.
1778.
January 14. — Returned with General MifHin and Dr. Potts to Reading
I in my sleigh, where we dined with the General and Dr. Thomas
1^ Bond. After dinner two New England soldiers on a furlough called
/ at the house — each of them had twelve fingers and twelve toes, and
I they informed us other members of their fitmily have the same
I number.
January 16. — ^Joseph Gray told us that he had been in Philadelphia for
' one night, recently, to procure clothing, and that he went in and out
unmolested.
February 11, — Generals Oliver Wolcott and Samuel Huntington, Dele-
gates to Congress, breakfasted with me.
February /p. — Captain Daniel Joy remained with us over night, and is
now gone on to Colonel John Patton's.
February 2j. — Four wagons reached here loaded with General Mifflin's
baggage on their way to Yorktown.
February 2j, — Richard Ross, one of Mr. Hancock's express riders,
took break&st with us.
March 6. — Colonel Bull, who nighted with us, set off to join his &mily
in Virginia.
March 7. — ^Distributed 24 Continental horses among the farmers in
the neighborhood to keep until called for.
1779.
February 22. — In the evening met the Republican Society at Duffy's
Tavern, 32 members present.
February 2j. — With Mr. Butler and Cranch, called on the Treasury
mw^^rw^
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 39
Board and made application for more money to pay accounts con-
tracted in the late Quartermaster General's Department.
February 25. — ^This evening my horse, which has been used by Lady
Washington since 2d inst, was returned from camp.
March p. — Spent the evening with Mr. John Lukens, where I met
General John Armstrong, Mathias Slough, his son, George, Colonel
Ephraim Blaine, Mr. Trent, and A. Dunham.
April i/f.. — ^This evening Francis Lightfoot Lee, a Delegate to Con-
gress, and Abraham Hunt took tea with me.
April 75. — Spent the evening with Colonels Atlee and Jacob Morgan
at Mr. Barge's.
April 20. — Moved the horses of the Delegates to Congress from Mrs.
Kimble's to the Continental stables.
April 27, — Mrs. Barge, Mrs Jones, my wife, and George Nelson visited
State Island, from thence to Red Bank, Billingsport, and Fort
Mifflin.
May ^. — I went out to examine the fence around the Continental lot,
and from there across the Commons to the camp of Indians, who
arrived to-day.
May 8. — ^Accompanied Mr. Webster, quartermaster of artillery, to
Sheriff Claypoole, and gave bond jointly for a horse taken from
Abraham Kintzing by Colonel Will for the use of the United
States.
May 12, — Started John Grave's brigade of teams, loaded with
ammunition, for the Susquehanna, and went with them some dis-
tance over Schuylkill.
June 10. — ^Tench Francis, James White, and Norton Pryor called to
see me.
•
June 12, — In the afternoon went out to the Commons to see Colonel
W. White's light-horse reviewed by General Wayne.
July 75. — George Ross, Esq., was buried to-day.
-T^
40 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
July 16. — ^Went to the War Office arid received instructions from the
Board to examine horses and wagons bought for the public use.
/ufy ^2. — I have six men making hay in Jones's meadow for the
Continental service.
/ufy 2g. — John Grau set off with his brigade of twenty wagons for
West Point ; thirteen of them are loaded with cannons.
August 6. — My son « Robert set out for camp with a chestnut gelding
for Major General Greene, quartermaster general.
August 7. — Forenoon went out toward Schuylkill on horseback, fell
off, and was much hurt in my back. Colonel John Cox and
General Armstrong called to see me.
August ^3. — Fireworks were displayed at the comer of Market and
Sixth Streets.
August 2$. — Grau returned with his brigade of teams from West
Point. I am sick with fever and ague.
August 28, — My son Robert and I rode out to Germantown and on
the way met 160 prisoners, captured by Major Lee in a small fort
at Powles Hook. Dined at Mr. Stoneburner's, who took me to a
man near by, who put something on myanjx to cure the fever and
ague. "" ^ ' "
September 5. — ^James Smith and I accompanied to the Schuylkill
'Baron de B , who is on his way to South Carolina to visit his
brother, Count Pulaski.
September 18, — I sent by Mr. Scull two bills of exchange on France
for t9^ to purchase dry-goods.
September 20. — ^Went down to Greenwich Hall and dined on beefsteaks
with the following gentlemen: Robert Morris, James Mease,
Thomas Willing, John Nixon, Richard Bache, John Little, Tench
Francis, Robert Erwin, William Jones, and William Gray. Mr.
Joseph Redman was buried to-day.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMEIL 4I
September 21. — In the afternoon went to the burial of George Bechtel
and walked with Richard Hunt. The second French Minister
arrived to-day.
October ^. — ^Took my wife and daughter Hannah riding, and coming
home we met a part of the militia running from the Commons to-
ward the city, pursued by the President and militia light-horse.
October s. — ^Two of the soldiers killed in the riot yesterday were
buried to-day.
October p. — ^Took two Hessian blacksmiths out of the new gaol to
work in the Continental smith shop.
October 20. — ^Sent off a brigade of thirteen wagons loaded with boots
for camp.
November 6. — ^Took a ride with Mr. Langdon, member of Congress, to
my lot to look at my two sorrel colts.
November 8, — Mr. Gerry, member of Congress, requested me to drive
his pair of horses in a wagon for half an hour.
November ii, — Mr. Barge and I attended the burial of the Hon.
Joseph Hewes, member of Congress from North Carolina, whose
body was taken from Mrs. House's, southwest comer Market and
Fifth Streets, to Christ Church yard. The Rev. William White
took his text from i Corinthians xv, 55.
November /jr. — To-night sent for Dr. Kuhn to see my daughter Betsy.
November 77. — ^This morning the small-pox appeared on my daughter.
November jo. — ^To-day the small-pox made its appearance on my
daughter Hannah.
December 8. — Colonel Wads worth and Abraham Hunt spent the even-
ing with me.
December 21. — ^Very cold ; navigation in the Delaware closed by ice.
\A^Y WaQhinprtnn arrived from Virginia with seven horses. [She
set out for camp December 27th.]
4
.»
. - .>..&<><
42 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
1780.
January 2, — ^Very cold, with snow. Early this morning a fire broke
out in Mr. Penn's house, on Market Street, occupied by Mr.
Holker, the French Consul, which was consumed to the first floor.
«
January 18, — ^Attended the funeral of John Naglce, from the house of
his son-in-law in Key's Alley, to Church yard in Arch Street. I
served a four years' apprenticeship with Mr. Naglee, who was a
silversmith, and lived with him from September of 1748 until he
moved to the country in the spring of 1755.
January 22, — In the forenoon went to the ox roast on the Dela-
ware ; in the afternoon crossed the ice to Joseph Cooper's in my
sleigh and pair of horses, Mrs. Barge and my wife with me.
January 28, — ^James Hunt nighted herd with his brigade of sleighs to
load provisions.
January j/. — My wife and daughter Kitty's schoolmistress, Mrs.
Roman, was buried to-day.
February 24. — Went to the Treasury Board and applied for money to
enable me to purchase forage for the horses belonging to the mem-
bers of Congress, agreeable to resolve of Congress.
February 26. — McCutch^on and Carson took away my big cow, seven
years' old (weighed dressed 1763 fi>s), for which they paid me sixty-
five guineas.
February 2g, — Received an order from the Treasury Board on Mr.
Hillegas for f 20,000 to purchase forage, agreeable to resolve of
Congress, 16th instant.
March 2, — ^This morning a flat boat, loaded with wood, reached
Market Street Wharf— the first craft of any kind to come up or go
down the river since December 21st of last year.
March 5. — Rode horseback toward Germantown, and dined with
Doctors Shippen, Bond, and Craigie, and Thomas Smith and Joseph
Shippen.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER« 43
March lo. — In the evening my son William and I went to see Temple-
man perform on the wire.
May i^ — Gouverneur Morris, member of Congress, broke his leg by
jumping out of his phaeton, as the horses were running away.
May 2j, — All the militia went to the field, where they were reviewed
by President Joseph Read and the French Ambassador.
Jidy /^. — Am quite sick, and had to send for Dr. Glentworth yester-
day; had Dr. Jones in consultation to-day, but they agree that I am
in a fair way to recover. •
August /. — Went to the Middle Ferry and examined 80 horses pur-
chased by Mr. Slough for the French army.
»
August 75. — ^To-day was qualified before George Bryan, Esq., accord-
ing to resolve of Congress, to enable me to act in the Quarter-
master's Department Colonel Pickering has recently been ap-
pointed to that office. »
August ip. — ^At midnight a fire broke out in the Continental smith's
shop on Chestnut Street, which was destroyed, and also part of
the carpenter shop near it
September J. — Our militia returned from Trenton.
September 7. — Intended to go to the burial of old William Allen, Esq.,
but was too late. #
September 77. — Called to see Colonel Pickering, quartermaster gen-
eral, at his house on Front Street, as he is about to set out for
camp.
September ip, — In the forenoon George Mifflin and I went to the
burial of Mrs. Reed, late the wife of Hon. Joseph Reed, President
of this State.
September 2p — Abraham Hunt came from Trenton and brought the
news that General Arnold had gone over to the enemy.
October 11. — Called on Daniel Wister at the Quartermaster General's
44 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMBR.
store and selected some clothing for the ws^oners in the Contin-
ental service.
October /j. — Summers and Karch set out for camp with baggage for
his Excellency General Washington.
November s. — Greneral Mifflin, Colonel Bird, Patton, and Miles break-
fasted with me.
December i. — Lady Washington arrived last evening and proceeded
to camp to-day.
December ji, — ^Took a ride with Richard Peters, Esq., to his farm
over Schuylkill.
1781.
January /. — ^To-day Timothy Matlack and Whitehead Humphreys
met on Market, between Fifth and Sixth Streets, and, after some
words, proceeded to blows.
January i6. — Mr. Barge and I attended the burial of Mrs. Keen,
the second wife of Reynold Keen. She was buried in St Peter's
Church yard. I also attended the burial of his first wife at Reading,
December 5, 1777.
January 2j. — Attended a meeting of the German Society, at the
Lutheran schoolhouse on Cherry Street, concerning the charter
recentl}£ obtained from the Assembly.
February j. — Called at Mr. Barge's to see Colonel Michael Swope,
who has been a prisoner since the summer of 1776.
February 8, — Major Edward Giles brought the news here from the
southward of General Morgan's victory over the British.
February 26. — Colonel Miles called me up at one o'clock this morning
to send an express to head of Elk.
February 28, — ^Visited the Ordnance Yard to inspect the cannon load-
ing in wagons for the head of Elk. There are over one hundred
and fifty horses in the brigade.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 45
March j. — Colonel Timothy Pickering and Richard Peters spent the
evening with me.
April I J. — ^Attended a court-martial at the Barracks ; two wagoners
before us.
April ip. — ^James Willing called to see me, who is out on his parole
from New York.
May 77. — The corpse of Colonel Samuel MifHin was brought from
Reading and buried here to-day.
June 2. — Went to the Assembly and heard Robert Morris speak con-
cerning our currency and recommend to the House to take off the
Tender Act
/tine 2f, — Early this morning some cannon were discharged on the
river, and a ball from one struck my stable door, through which it
passed, struck against the wall, and bounded across the street into
Christopher Brierley's yard, who picked it up and g^ve it to me.
June JO. — Lady Washington arrived here from camp.
July 4., — ^Fireworks at the State House.
August JO, — His Excellency General Washington arrived about one
o'clock. He has not been here since 2d February, 1779.
September 2. — ^Accompanied Colonel Dearborn, deputy quarter-
master, over Schuylkill, to select a site for an encampment.
September 4, — Arrived 2 joo F rench troops, and as many yesterday,
among them 300 cavalry, who are encamped on the Commons on
the east side of the Schuylkill.
September 5. — Greneral W^hington left for the southward. Jonathan
Penrose has charge of the wagons that transport the cannon to
head of Elk.
September p. — Colonel James Thompson left for the Head of Elk with
a number of horses purchased for the French army.
October 22, — Early in the morning an express brought the news that
/
46 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
on 1 7th Lord Comwallis had surrendered to his Excellency Gen-
eral Washington.
October 24. — The city was handsomely illuminated in consequence of
Lord Comwallis's surrender, but am sorry to have to add that so
many doors and windows have been destroyed in houses of Friends.
October 25, — ^To-night there is fireworks in the State House yard.
^November J. — ^This afternoon the British colors, twenty-four in num-
ber, taken from Lord Cornwallis, were brought to this city by
Colonel Humphreys, aide to his Excellency. At the Schuylkill
they were met and escorted into the city by our City Light Horse,
commanded by Captain Sam Morris, and delivered to Hon. Thomas
McKean, President of Congress, at the State House. At night the
house of the French Minister was illuminated to a great degree.
f November ^. — ^Went to the State House and joined following gentle-
men as a jury : J. Hazlewood, Colonel Knox, T. Briton Falkner,
David Reese, J. Few, T. Middleton, Grant Porter, Charles Syng,
and Peter Thompson. We tried a case between Dr. F. Phile and
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Jeremiah Warder and
J. Parker, concerning goods brought into the State from St Thomas
and proven to be British manufacture. Judge McKean g^ve us his
charge about midnight, after six lawyers for several hours had
addressed us. We proceeded to Baker's, opposite the State House,
and there remained- until seven o'clock before we agreed upon a
verdict, which was that we would give the facts and leave the de-
cision to the court.
1
November 6. — At eleven o'clock we met again and carried in our verdict,
which was delivered to the court by our foreman, John Hazlewood.
Messrs. Ingersoll, Bradford, and Coxe, represented Phile and the
Commonwealth, and Wilson, Lewis, and Sergeant, Warder and
Parker.
November 7. — Accompanied Tench Francis and William Gray to see
DIARY. OF JACOB HILTZHEIUER. 47
the OX teams (fourteen wagons, fifty-six oxen) Francis brought the
money from Boston with.
November ij. — One of the three spies arrested last Wednesday night
in this city was to-day executed on the Commons. Edison, one of
the three, confessed that their design was to rob the office of the
Secretary of Congress of such papers as might be of use to the
enemy. Edison was formerly a clerk in the office.
November 17. — ^Tench Francis sold his oxen and wagons at vendue.
November 26. — His Excellency General Washington and his lady
arrived from the southward.
December J. — Met General Mifflin on Chestnut Street, when we called
on Dr. Kuhn, who recently arrived with his family from Edenton,
North Carolina.
December 6. — Inspected two brigades of teams from Bucks County for
the use of the French army.
December /p. — My son Robert, who attended the hunt at Frankford, /
told me that Hre^gral Washing ton was present. '
December 26, — Met the German Society at the Lutheran schoolhouse^
and was elected one of the overseers.
1782.
January 2. — In the afternoon went to the schoolhouse and met the
German Society to finish the business of December 26th last.
General Baron Steuben was this day elected a member of the society.
January 10, — ^Went to the Assembly Room in the State House, where
the Court met, and there joined the following gentlemen jurors :
Peter Thompson, foreman; Jacob Barge, Jacob GrafT, Robert
Roberts, Mr. Askin, William Hall, Robert Cox, Mr. Canady,
Thomas Nixon, David Rees, and William Webb. The case before
us was a wagon-load of goods, proven to be British, brought from
48 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIlfER.
New Jersey, stopped and seized at Frankford by Colonel McVough.
Our verdict was in favor of the Commonwealth.
January //. — ^Again attended at the State House, and met the follow-
ing jurors: Peter Thompson, foreman; Jacob Morgan, Jacob
Barge, Jacob Graff, George Hazlewood, Benjamin Compty, Lewis
Grant, Mr. Porter, Mr. Falkner, Thomas Middleton, and Joseph
Ogden, Jr. We decided four cases — British goods brought from
St. Thomas, and seized by Dr. Fred. Phile, on behalf of the
Commonwealth. The claimants were George and Caleb Emlen,
Peter Carmack, Mordecai Lewis, John Clifford & Co. Our ver-
dict was against the claimants. In the afternoon the same jurors,
with the exception of Peter Thompson, in whose place came John
Little, decided against the claim of Paul Simor for goods seized on
a vessel.
January 23. — ^Timothy Madack breakfasted with me, and explained
the way the business in the recently established bank is conducted,
and the issue of their notes.
January 20. — The Delaware is frozen over and many people crossing.
James Cannon was buried in the Church burying-ground.
January 31, — ^While walking along Front Street met George Mifflin,
who took me to Joseph Morris's to see his brother the General, who
had come in from the Falls, but we learned that he had gone on the
river to skate, in which exercise, by all accounts, he is very expert
' / February 2, — Sold to General Baron Steuben a black horse, bald
/ face, seven years old, for ;C45.
February 3. — ^Took a sleigh ride with my wife, daughter Hannah, and
son Thomas to Joseph Warner's, six miles up the Schuylkill, and
his wife returned with us to the city.
February 12, — Loaned Robert Erwin a wagon and two horses to
assist in bringing ice from the Schuylkill to the ice-house of Robert
Morris in the rear of his house on Market Street.
\
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIICER. 49
February 20, — George Nelson took John Brown out of prison for me, A
to serve for six months as a hostler, for which he is to receive $y>. /
February 28. — Spent an hour at Peter Summers's with General Potter,
Thomas Smith, Esq., Joseph Gardner, John Lukens,and John Little.
March j. — I went on horseback to General Mifflin's, at the Falls, and
dined with Mrs. Mifflin, Captain N. Falkner and wife, and Susanna
Morris.
March 10, — Doctor Kuhn called to see me again to-day — ^the first
time since his return from abroad.
March 12. — General Knox and Gouvemeur Morris set out for Eliza-
bethtown.
March 22, — ^The Commander-in-Chief set out for the eastward. He
has been in town since November 26th last.
March 2y, — Governor Dickinson's house, occupied by the French
Minister, was struck by lightning this afternoon and a man horribly
burned.
March 2^. — Colonel Pickering, quartermaster general, and Abraham
Hunt, of Trenton, break&sted with me.
April 7. — My son Thomas and I went as far as Gray's bridge to look
after the horses I purchased for the French army.
Apil p. — I took out of prison four men to take care of the public
horses.
Afril 12. — Moved all the Continental wagons and other public prop-
erty out of the lot of Mr. Logan, at the comer of Sixth and Chest-
nut Streets.
April 2$, — Fast Day, recommended by Congress and ordered by
President William Moore.
May 6. — My son Robert was bitten by a mad dog in his arm. /
May ij, — ^There was fireworks on the State House yard this evening.
May 16. — ^John Bayard ^old some wagons and harness in the Conti-
nental jrard.
50 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
May ig. — Mr. Hunt's Peter came after the stallion St Patrick, which
he bought of General John Cadwalader. Sent after the two Hessian
prisoners who ran ofT last night
June 14. — My wife, Mr. and Mrs. Barge, and I went to the burial of
George Nelson's wife in St Paul's yard.
June 2jf. — My carriage and four horses returned to-day with the
Messrs. Rutledge and Clymer, members of Congress.
June JO. — ^Went to church and there met Greneral Lincoln, Secretary
of War, who I did not know understood German. Perhaps he
attended out of curiosity.
July 14. — His Excellency General Washington, from the northward,
and the Commander of the French army, from the southward,
arrived to-day.
July 75. — ^Some fine fireworks were exhibited to-night, and several
hundred lamps lit in the square opposite the French Minister's
house, in honor of the birth of the Dauphin. My family, with
Colonel Ephraim Blaine, J. Chaloner, J. Smith, George Nelson, John
Wilson, and others viewed the fireworks from the roof of one of
my stables.
July 22. — Colonel J. Wadsworth breakfasted with us, after which we
went to see Colonel Pickering, quartermaster general, and from
thence to General Mifflin's to dinner.
July 24.. — His Excellency General Washington left the city.
July 2$. — Returning from a ride with my wife, saw the burial of
Major Gralvan in the Potters' Field. The Major shot himself last
night through the head.
July JO, — ^Went to Front Street to see General Lincoln, Secretary of
War, and Colonel Hodgdon set out for Carlisle.
August 6. — ^To-day Henry Keppele, Jr., was brought in a carriage from
Peter Summer's to his father's house, on Frankford Road. [He was
buried August 8.]
i«*Wi«*Mwv»«Wl««MJMMm>iMM^
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 5 1
August I J, — Returned from Colonel Miles's at Spring Mill, and in the
afternoon with Mr. Lukens laid out the streets through my Aunt
Foster's lot
•
August 28. — Paid Thomas Bond, Jr., £17^ on account of the lot
purchased on Seventh Street for ;f 275. At noon went to the Coffee
House and bought a stable on the banks of the Schuylkill, sold by
order of Colonel Miles, D. Q. M., (or ;Ci02.
August 2g, — ^With my wife and son Thomas set out for Angelica, one
of General Mifflin's farms.
September 2, — Dined at General Mifflin's with General St. Clair,
Samuel Potts, John Patton, Alexander Graydon, CoUinson Read, Drs.
Bond and Wilson, and several others.
September j. — ^Took a walk with General Mifflin, Dr. Bond and
Wilson, the two Misses Morris, and my son.
September ^ — ^After dinner we left the General's ferm, passed through
Reading, and went on to Pottsgrove, and lodged at the Sign of the
Bell.
September 5. — ^Set out early this morning and drove eleven miles to
Read's to breakiast, but the meal was such an ordinary one and the
girl that waited on us so untidy my wife could^not eat anything.
Dined at Steers's, and arrived at home by sunset The colt, which
the General gave my son, caused many detentions on the way.
September 6, — ^While we were absent from home, the whole of the
French army passed through the city on their march to Trenton.
September 2g. — After church called on Jose ph Mo rris to inquire after
General Mifflin, and was told that he was better than for several days
past . .
October 4.. — General Lee, late of our army, and just from his farm in
Virginia, was to-day buried in Christ Church yard.
October 8, — Went to the election in Germantown with Colonel
Samuel Miles. Dined at Armatage's tavern with Colonels Miles^
52 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
Melcher, Warner, Cowperthwaite, and Dean, Mr. Jacob Rush,
Joseph Jones and others.
October 2g. — Spent the evening with Dr. Jones, who will set out with
his family for Georgia, after an absence of near four years.
November i. — ^Accompanied Dr. Jones, member of Congress from
Georgia, and his family five miles up the Lancaster Road. Mr.
Everly and family are with them.
November ^. — Met the members of the Amicable Fire Company at
Thomas Palmer's on Market Street. Fourteen members present.
November 7. — ^To-day at noon John Dickinson was proclaimed Presi-
dent df this State from the Court House steps.
December ^. — ^Took General Lincoln in my chair to the meadows, and
there met William Jones, after which we went to the Sign of the
Buck and had a pint of wine.
December 77. — Called on General Lincoln at his lodgings, who is about
to set out to visit his family near Boston.
December 20. — Met the officers of the German Society at the Widow
Hess's in relation to the lot on Seventh Street.
December 2j. — ^This morning the last of the French Legion left for
Delaware.
December 26, — Met the German Society at the schoolhouse, and the
officers went to the Widow Hess's to supper. Colonel Lewis
Farmer was elected president, and Lewis Weiss, vice-president.
December JO. — With Mr. Barge went to the State House to serve on
the Grand Jury, the members of which are : Zebulon Potts, fore-
man ; Ruben Haines, John Shee, Jacob Bright, Samuel Wheeler,
Caleb Emlen, William Bingham, Samuel Caldwell, Robert Hare,
Captain Davis, William TurnbuU, Colonel R. Knox, Captain Ord,
David McCuUough, Derick Peterson, John Pringle, John Harrison,
Jacob Barge, and myself
December J I. — The Grand Jury met. The bill against E. Oswald, the
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 53
printer, could not be decided, owing to the absence of witnesses.
We brought in a true bill against one Stackhouse and four negroes,
who robbed William Ball's house, on the Delaware, above the city,
in November last.
1783.
January /. — ^The Grand Jury considered the bill against Oswald, the
printer, for libel. The following witnesses were examined : William
Bradford, Esq., Francis Nichols, Dr. Gardner, William Harris, James
Wilson, John Reynolds, Edward Bird, Michael Hillegas, William
Lewis, William Blair, J. IngersoU, and Moses Levy. After a long
debate the bill was ignoramused, i6 to 3.
January 2. — The Grand Jury met at 10 o'clock. Three bills were pre-
sented against Hammer, Richardson, Tyson, Roberts, and several
others, residing in Philadelphia County, for aiding and assisting
four British prisoners in making their escape from Lancaster to
New York. Captain Noah Lee and one Burke were examined,
whereupon true bills were found and carried to the Court.
January j. — Another bill was presented against Oswald, for printing a
libel in the Gazetteer oi October I, 1782, which was ignoramused,
17 to 2. The jury found a true bill against G. B., J. B., and N. G.,
the three Commissioners, for giving their order to the Collectors to
demand of the people a larger sum of money than the law directs
on the Class Tax for enlistirfg men for the Continental army in
1781, on the evidence of E. Duflield, Michael Hillegas, and Tench
Francis. In the evening presented our bills to the Chief Justice
McKean, and Justice Bryan. We were reprimanded for not admit-
ting the evidence sent by the Court in support of the charges
against Oswald. The Chief Justice handed us back the bill for
reconsideration.
January ^. — ^The jury met, and debated the bill returned to us yester-
day, and agreed to make no change in it, and to return it to Court.
Adjourned to Monday*
(
t
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54
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
f Jamiary 6. — Mr. Bradford, the Attorney General, returned the bill to
the jury which we handed in against the three Commissioners,
together with on^ which he had drawn up himself. But the jury
disliked the form, and found one more to their minds and intent
At the same time, the jury agreed to a memorial, to be handed to
the Court, in consequence of the reprimand given by the Chief Jus-
tice t(/ us on Friday, which was signed by sixteen of the jurors.
January 7. — ^The jury met, proceeded to the Court with the bill
against the Commissioners and our memorial, which our foreman
requested be read in Court. This was not done, but the Chief Jus-
tice told us that the Court had no further business for us. We then
returned to the tavern in Elbow Lane and paid our reckoning, $J
each.
January 14., — ^Took Mrs. Mary Clarkson, her youngest son, my wife
and daughter Kitty, in my sleigh the five-mile round.
January 22. — Went to the Coffee House, and bought one-fourth part
of the Congress stables, next to Eighth Street, for ^1^49.
February j. — Met at the German Reformed school-house the Vestry
of that church, to which body I was elected last month.
February ij, — ^The speech of the British King arrived in town, in
which he acknowledges the independence of the American States.
Took a ride to Gravel Hill, and met General Mifflin and Baron de
Fox in the General's phaeton.
February 15, — ^To-day was hanged Stackhouse and two negroes, who
robbed William Ball's house. The other two negroes concerned
in the robbery were reprieved.
March ij, — To-day we received the news by Captain Barney that the
treaty between England and America is only provisional until terms
are agreed on between England and France.
March 24, — Yesterday the sloop Triumph, commanded by the Chev-
alier Duquesne, arrived in thirty-six days from Cadiz, bringing the
news of the confirmation of a general peace.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 55
March 2y, — Scott and Watkins began to pull down my part of the
Continental stables.
April 3. — Returning with my wife from a ride, stopped in Arch Street J
to see the flying horses (wooden). '
April 9. — ^Went with James Pearson to Gravel Hill to take an account
of the damage done to my house and fences by the British during
their occupation of the city. Also met the vestry of our church,
and made out the account of damages done by the British to the
church. Captain Rinnet arrived with dispatches from Sir Guy
Carleton, informing Congress that the preliminary articles between
England and France had been exchanged February 3d« and between
England and Spain February pth, and from that date two months
hostilities between England and America will end.
April 10, — ^The account of damages done by the British to my prop-
erty, £\^\ 15s. 8d. was delivered to Gunning 'Bedford, Esq., at the
Court House.
April 14., — Met at Thomas Palmer's, Nathan Sellers and William
Turner, to settle by order of Court a dispute between Adam Poth
and Borden and Croft. We found that there is justly due by Adam
Poth £%\ los. lod.
April 16. — ^Went down to the Court House, where the City Magis-
trates appeared and caused William Will, Sheriff, to proclaim to the
people at large that all hostilities by land and on sea are at an end
between America and Great Britain.
April 18. — ^At the request of John Holker, Esq., my son Thomas and
I left for Wilmington to examine the French troop horses.
April ip. — Examined 249 French troop horses and then returned
home.
April 27,' — Mr. Barge and I, in my chair, set out for Lancaster.
Lodged at Joe Webb's, on the Horseshoie Road near Dowingtown.
April 28. — Dined at New Holland, and from thence went on to Lan-
caster.
56 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
April 2g. — ^Took a walk with Captain Webster and Captain Joy to look
at the former's garden. In the afternoon went to Jacob Meyer's
and then to Adam Weber's to see two horses belonging to British
ofBcers run a two- mile heat.
April JO, — ^Went to the Court House to see the dragoon horses
advertised for sale, but the dragoons would not deliver them on
account of the pay due to them yet.
May 2. — ^Arrived home from Lancaster at sundown, and found my
daughter Hannah ill with the measles.
May 2p. — Called on the Hon. Mr. Holker and settled with him for
keeping and selling several horses he purchased of the Duke who
commanded the French Legion.
June I. — My son Robert, while at Chester, saw William Bingham
and Robert Hare, with their wives and children, go on board of
Captain Truxton's vessel for England.
June 2j. — Took my daughter Hannah to Mrs. Roman's school, as she
will not go to that of her sisters.
June 2 J. — ^When I returned from my ride with my wife and two
daughters I found the light-horse gentlemen in my yard and
about my house, to be ready to protect Governor Dickinson from
being insulted by the riotous soldiers from Lancaster, who de-
manded their pay of Congress. This demand affronted Congress
so much that they agreed to sit at Princeton, New Jersey.
July ^. — In the afternoon a triumphal car, prepared by Mr. Mason,
attended by a number of boys and girls dressed in white, was paraded
through the streets of the city, this being the memorable day inde-
pendence was declared.
July JO. — Thomas Palmer, Joseph Rakestraw, Michael Shubert, and
myself moved the Amicable Fire Engine from the house on the
south side of Market, a short distance below Sixth Street, to Sixth
Street above Market, on the ground of Miss Deborah Morris.
DIART OP JACOB HILTZHEIHER. 57
July J 2. — VLy men brought from the meadows a man who was injured
by a bull on the road, and was informed by William Jones that the
doctors say he cannot live.
July 18. — ^Took a ride with my wife up the Germantown Road to see
the camp of 1500 soldiers who came from General Washington's
army two weeks ago.
July 21. — ^At the request of Colonel Pickering, quartermaster general,
accompanied him to the camp at Mrs. McMaster's place, two miles
from the city, to examine the hay there, estimated at ten tons.
July 2j. — ^Attended the burial of Philip Moser. [The Widow Moser
appeared in church with her new husband November 9, 1783.]
July 31, — Met at the Indian Queen the following gentlemen : Gen-
eral James Irvine, Major Armstrong, Colonel F. Johnson, Colonel
Jacob Morgan, Dr. John Morgan, and Mr. Burd, a committee of offi-
cers who served in the Colonial wars, for which service we are en-
titled to some back-lands under the King^s proclamation of October,
1763.
August 2, — Drank tea at Matthew Clarkson's with his wife ; have in-
vited Major Gibbs and Captain Williams to dine with me to-morrow.
August 10. — Mr. Dunlap moved into my house yesterday, at ;f 120 per
year. When I returned from church, was told that the chimney
had been on fire.
August //. — ^At the Indian Queen met General Ewmgt Vice-Pre sident
of this State, General James Irvine, Colonel F. Johnson,^ajor
Armstrong, and Dr. John Morgan, oq our back-land claims.
August /jr. — In the afternoon, went with George Mifflin to Bush Hill,
to the burial of the very wealthy James Hamilton, Esq., aged 72
years. Among the seven or more clergymen present was the Rev. . / / ?
William White, who performed the ceremony. S amuel Emlen, a J*^/''
Quaker, spoke fifteen minutes.
August 16. — Dined at Mrs. Matthews's, on turtle, with William Jones,
5 •
(
58 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHSIMER.
Robert Erwin, R. Keen. A. Tybout, Joseph Rakestraw, John Biddle,
Dr. Glentworth, Peter Z. Lloyd, and James White. In the evening,
drove my wife and daughters to camp and drank tea with Captain
Joseph Williams.
August 22, — Called to see Andrew Hamilton, who is confined to his
bed with gout. He requested me to aid in procuring four or five
horses for his brother, who has had a great fortune left him by their
uncle, not less than jf 150,000 cy. ; to Andrew and his children, not
above ;£'40,ooo.
September 8. — Called to see General Mifflin, on Vine Street, but he
was too ill to receive fiiends, and from there went to see Miles &
Morgan's new sugar house, the fifth floor of which is now ready.
September 11, — Mr. Abraham Hunt drank tea with us, after which we
walked to the Indian King to see Joseph Smith, who is interested
in the stage line to New York, by which passengers are taken as
&r as Newark in one day, and to New York for breakfast next day.
September 27. — Went to Miles & Morgan's sugar house, Vine Street
near Third, being erected by William Hicks, bricklayer, and CoUa-
day, the carpenter. A supper was served in Colladay's carpenter
shop to Colonels Miles and Morgan, Eyre, Farmer, and Will,
Major Boyd, Messrs. Michael HiUegas, Jacob Rush, Jacob Negley,
Peter Wager, Schaefler, Christopher Ludwick, and others.
September 2g, — ^At midnight Captain Topham sent for me, being very
ill, and desired that I would try to persuade his children to embrace
the Reformed religion and attend the church to which their mother
belonged, it being her wish on her death bed.
October 6, — ^The Committee on Back-Land Claim met at the house of
Colonel Miles, when Doctor Morgan was appointed to go to Vir-
ginia to attend the Assembly, for which service he is to receive
;f 125.
October ly. — ^The Dutch Ambassador, Mr. Van Berkel, came to my
house to see two of his horses tried.
DIART OF JACOB HILTZHBIMEIL 59
October 28. — ^Took a ride with Honorable Ralph Izard to Blakeley
Island to look at Adam Gerger's horses and cows, a number of
which were purchased
November 4., — Loaned Mrs. Mifflin a horse for her servant to ride to
the General's farm near Reading, and inform him of his being
appointed President of Congress.
November S' — Frederick Kuhl and I were qualified by Isaac Howell,
Esq., to act as Street Commissioners.
November 7. — Called to see Abraham Hart at Mrs. Paul's Indian
King, and from there to the Court House, where I met the Street
Commissioners for the first time.
November 8. — ^The Street Commissioners met at my house, then pro-
ceeded to Fifth Street, and to the dock in Third Street.
November 12. — Honorable Mr. Izard's horses and cattle were put on
board a vessel for Charleston, S. C. General Washington's baggage
teams set out for that excellent commander's residence in Virginia.
November /p. — Met the officers of the German Society on Race
Street At the meeting the address prepared by Lewis Weiss to be
handed to Hon. Van Berkel, Ambassador from Holland, was con-
sidered.
November 22, — Dined with Hon. Thomas Mifflin at his house on Vine
Street, with the following gentlemen : Hon. James Reed, Colonel
Lutz, Mr. Reiss, Lincoln, Colonel Clement Biddle, Mrs. Mifflin,
and her two sisters.
November 2g. — ^About twenty minutes after ten o'clock this evening I
felt the shock of an earthquake as I was walking through my room
up stairs, which lasted half a minute.
December 8. — ^Abraham Kintzing and I went to Germantown^ to the
burial of Leonard Stonebumer's wife. His Excellency General
Washington arrived from the northward.
December 75. — The illustrious General Washington, after commanding;
60 DIART OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
the armies of the United States above eight years, and has given
the Americans possession of New York again, set out this day for
his seat in Virginia* He was escorted a little way beyond the city
by their Excellencies De la Luzerne, French Ambassador, on his
right, and John Dickinson, President of this State, on his left, and
the City Troop in the rear, the Hon. Robert Morris and his lady
in a carriage in advance. I think it is not likely that I shall have
the honor of seeing that great and good man again, and, therefore,
do sincerely congratulate him on the noble resolution he has made,
not to accept public ofBce hereafter, but to pass the remainder of
his days in private. This is undoubtedly the surest way to preserve
the honors he so justly acquired during the late war.
December 20, — ^Attended the examination of the scholars of Mr.
Brown's school, corner Third and Vine Streets, both in English and
French. ^
December 26, — Met the German Society at the Lutheran school-
house, and, after transacting our business, proceeded to Captain
Esterly's to supper.
1784.
fanuary 18, — ^Went to Chestnut Street and brought home my fire-
buckets. Was informed by William Moulder of the death of
Joseph Fox, from a fall off his horse this morning.
January 20. — ^Went to the burial of Joseph Fox. Arthur Howell, a
Quaker, spoke at the grave. Went to Matthew Clarkson's on
Arch Street to warm my feet.
January 22. — ^The Street Commissioners engaged in having the rub-
bish cleared off Market Street, between Fifth and Sixth, so that the
people may have a free passage to view the triumphal arch erected
on Market Street. It is about forty feet high, with paintings on
the east side by Mr. Peale. At dark, just as the lamps were being
lighted, the painting caught fire by ac(:ident and was consumed,
^
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHBIMEIL 6 1
together with the fireworks, which were on top. A rocket stick
killed a woman. This sudden accident created the greatest con-
fusion among the people in the street and the horses and carriages,
so that many persons were injured and wearing apparel lost The
arch cost j£^6oo. Thus all the labor of weeks, for the celebration of
peace being made, came to naught, and for the night turned into
sorrow. •
February /j. — ^Took my wife and George MifHin in my sleigh to Gen-
eral Mifflin's place at the Falls, where we viewed the heaps of ice
piled up on the shore by the high water.
February i^ — Paid ^ for a cord of hickory wood, which is more than |
I have ever given since going to housekeeping. It is said the price I
has reached $\(> this winter.
February i6. — ^Went in my sleigh with wife, son, and daughter over
the Delaware on the ice to Joseph Cooper's, but finding him from
home, we returned. I observed a large number of wood sleighs
crossing.
February i8, — Met the Street Commissioners at the CoflTee House, and
from thence we walked along Market and Second Streets, and gave
notice to all persons who expose goods for sale on the street, con-
trary to law, to remove them.
February 20. — ^Took my wife a sleigh ride. In the evening met at
the Court House my brother Street Commissioners, Francis
Gurney, John Purdon, Samuel McLane, Frederick Kuhl, and Peter
Kraft.
March i, — In the House of Assembly the committee, who have been
examining the charges of fraud in Colonel Sam Miles's accounts,
made by Comptroller General Nicholson, made their report, which
acquits Miles.
March 6. — Went to Ogden's Ferry and rode over and back on the
ice, and from there went to the Delaware, where I saw numbers
^ ,.,m» I I rT
62 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
of wagon and sleigh loads of wood coming over to Vine Street and
above.
March /j. — ^A vessel reached the dock to-day, the first from either up
or down the river since December 24th last
March 15, — Drove out to Ogden's Ferry to see the damage made by
the ice breaking up. It swept away all the wooden buildings, and
the water was five feet two inches high on the first floor of the
house.
March 16, — ^The Street Commissioners selected sites to dump the
dirt from the streets. Called to see Mr. Ogden at the ferry, who
told me that two of his horses had been drowned, but one of his
colts had got into the house and up the stairs to the second floor,
and was saved. Several of his boats were carried ofl* by the ice,
which compelled him to discharge his gun to attract the people on
shore to rescue his family, which was accomplished about daylight.
In January of 1767, when Jonathan Humphreys was ferry keeper,
the water rose to nine inches on the first floor, and he never
imagined it could reach five feet and more this time At one time
he feared the house would be carried into the river. We measured
one cake of ice wedged among the trees and found it to be thirteen
and one-half feet thick.
March 18. — On horseback I viewed every paved street in the city, and
met the Commissioners in the evening.
March 20, — ^Sent my man with three horses up to the Honorable
Robert Morris' country seat, Springettsbury, to bring back the fire
engine belonging to the Amicable Fire Company, which was taken
there yesterday, when the house was on fire.
March 24.. — ^Took George Mifflin with me to his brother's at the Falls,
and stopped at the Fish House [St. David's], where we saw the ice
piled up twenty feet. If it had not been for several white oak trees,
the house would have been carried away. Mr. Mifflin and I
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHBIMEIL 63
measured the water mark on the first floor, and found it to be seven
feet six inches.
April 10, — ^Went up town to William Fisher's wharf to examine some
paving stone for the public use. Attended the sale of the street dirt
at the dumps, aflier which the Commissioners went to the Indian
Queen and had some wine and punch.
April /J. — I took my wife a ride along the Schuylkill to the Falls, to
show her the destruction caused by the ice. Many large masses
are to be seen still in the neighborhood of the Fish House. We
called at General Mifflin's place.
April 20, — ^Attended the burial of Thomas Pryor's housekeeper, an old » t ^
maid named Susannah, who has lived in the family for many years. Iff
Samuel Emlen spoke at the grave half an hour. ^
April 22, — With my fellow Colinnlssioners passed through certain
streets of the city to notice whether they are obstructed by goods
contrary to law.
April 26. — ^The Street Commissioners met at my house and agreed
that men be set to work to take up the pavement across Market
Street and Seventh. Then we went down to Isaac Snowden's and
there met Gunning Bedford, carpenter, and Lowry, the mason, and
consulted with them concerning the arch to be built over the dock.
May I. — ^Went to Lawrence Seckel's place, which William Rush rents,
and dined on beefsteak and shad with Gunning Bedford, Isaac
Snowden, William Sheaff, David Seckel, Wertz, Wager, Habacker,
David Schaeffer, John Baker, Philip Odenheimer, Philip Hall,
Thomas Penrose, Francis Johnson, George Campbell, Daniel
Clymer, J ohn M orris, and others. His Excellency General Wash-
ington arrived here from Virginia. [Washington left the city May
18.]
May 4.. — Plunket Fleeson and three 6f his neighbors waited on the
Commissioners at the State House to complain of the street dirt
being hauled to Fourth Street before the schoolhouse.
64 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
May 6. — The Commissioners met at Seventh and Market Streets and
had James Pearson regulate the water course across Market Street,
and in the afternoon Peter Kraft and myself staked out Seventh
Street across the Strangers' Burial-ground.
May 10. — To-night the fireworks were exhibited by Mr. Peale on
Market Street in place of those destroyed in January last
/une J, — ^We have had men at work on Market Street every day this
week. Went to the foot-bridge over the dock to see the trunk laid.
June /y. — Returning from church I saw the Free Quakers leave their
meeting-house at corner Fifth and Arch Streets. This day a week
ago they held their first meeting in the said meeting-house.
June i8. — Met Samuel Wheeler at the bridge, where he has a number
of men at work filling in Hollander's Creek, and firom there went to
the Sign of the Buck and had a bowl of punch.
/ufy 6, — The Commissioners began to view the streets which citizens
wished repaired. Began at the fifty-foot street on the south side
Market, between Sixth and Seventh Street, and proceeded out
Market to Ogden's Ferry ; from thence in to South Street, down to
Penn ; thence up the Dock to Second Street, and there parted until
evening.
July jjf. — ^Afternoon went to the Dock, and, two Commissioners with
me, entered the new arch under Second Street bridge and walked
up to Walnut Street bridge, and found the smell disagreeable.
Jiily 1$. — Inspected Quarry and Bread Streets, and went in the after-
noon to the Dock to see what progress was made.
JtUy //. — ^Toward evening the American aerostatic balloon ascended
from the new«Work House yard. It was made of silk. The man
who was in it cut the rope as the balloon struck the wall, and
dropped out, which caused the fire to iall out of the stove, and
the balloon was consumed when half a mile up in the air.
July 22. — With my wife and son Thomas, set out for Jersey, and
arrived at my friend Abraham Hunt's in Trenton.
w ft.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMEIL 6$
July 2j, — Mr. Hunt and I break&sted with General P. Dickinson.
We found him busy looking after the stone house he is having built
at the end of his wooden building, about a mile out of Trenton.
July JO, — Left Trenton about eleven o'clock, dined at Bristol, and
reached home by sunset.
August 5. — Before break&st I went with three of the Magistrates and
four Street Commissioners down to Penn Street, to see whether we
should pave it, but a majority being of the opinion that the street
between Penn and the river, called New Street, ought to be paved
first, it was so agreed.
August 6. — Went down to New Street with the Commissioners and
Mr. Moulder, a regulator, to see what the descent of the street
from South to Lombard alley is: seven feet and eleven inches.
Looked after pavers on the fifty-foot street south side of Market,
above Sixth Street
August 10. — Andrew Geyer, Peter Kraft, and myself gave the name
of Turner to the fifiy-foot street south side Market Street
August ij. — Looked after the work in Carpenter Street
August 14. — ^At one o'clock went to the Falls and dined with General
MifHin, when we arranged to go to New York next Friday to settle
our Continental accounts.
August ijf. — Returning from church, I observed people crowded about
the Free Quakers* meeting-house, and was told that they were
waiting to see the wonderful Jemima Wilkinson, who had preached.
I remained until she came out to get in her chair. She had on a
white hat, but no cap, and a white linen garment that covered her
to her feet
August 77. — Mr. Geyer and I set the teams to work in New Water
Street. Jonathan Penrose took us home with him, and gave us a
drink of punch. We were told that he was recently elected a
Magistrate of Southwark.
66 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
August 20, — ^Visited Colonels Pickering and Miles, and coming
home went to the new Quaker meeting-house, on Arch Street, and
heard Jemima Wilkinson preach. She looks more like a man than
a woman.
August 21. — ^Set out for New York with Abraham Hunt and my son
Robert. Dined at Bristol, where General Mif&in overtook us. The
Hon. Henry Laurens, who had just arrived from Europe, called
me to his room to inquire how he could secure horses for his
carriage. My son turned back to Philadelphia, and we went on to
Trenton, the General to Williamson's tavern and I to Mr. Hunf s.
August 22,'^TYit General, a little girl, E. Johnson, and his iiegro,
Terego, breakfasted at Princeton, dined at Major Egbert's, in Bruns-
wick, and had supper at Mr. Sayre's tavern, in Perth Amboy.
August 2j, — Crossed from Amboy to Staten Island, passed through
Richmond to Bergen Ferry, and dined at the ferry house. Joshua
Musserne, Esq., came and dined with . us. It being exceedingly
warm after dinner, Mr. Musseme's people put our horses and chairs
across to Bergen. The General went by water and I by land, and
he reached New York before me. We lodged and kept our horses
at Ellsworth's, No. 19 Maiden Lane.
August 24. — General MiiHin and I called on William Denning, and
asked him when he could take up my public accounts, which is the
business which brought me to New York. On being informed that
he could do so at once, in the afternoon I took the accounts to his
clerk, Mr. Simmons, and, at the same time, a letter wherein General
Mifflin, quartermaster general, appointed me to purchase horses and
wagons for the Continental service, allowing me a commission of
two per cent.
August 2^. — Called to see General Robert Howe, Mr. Jacob Morris,
and John Morin Scott, Esq., but did not see the latter, and am to
call again. Met with Messrs. Matlack and Chandler, went to their
store, and wrote a letter to my wife.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIUER.
67
August 26, — ^This afternoon took a ride up the East River and returned
down the North River ; met John Levy, Jr., stopped at Cummings's,
and had a drink of wine and water.
August 2y. — ^Took a ride before breakfast to look at the chain-pump.
After breakfast T. Bache went with me to Brockholts Livingston,
Esq., about my claim of ;^I76 19s. against General Robert Howe.
I called on John Morin Scott, but only saw his son Lewis. Went
to the coffee-house kept by Cornelius Bradford and met several
old acquaintances, among them Colonel Isaac Melcher. In the
afternoon I was arrested by a Deputy Sheriff with a writ for ;^ioo, /
for a horse Dr. Charles McKnight says he lost out of the Con-
tinental stable in Philadelphia while in my charge. Mr. Ellsworth
kindly became my bail. [Dr. McKnight lost his case 24th June,
1787.]
August 28. — General MifHin accompanied me to Mr. Livingston's, to
whom I gave two guinea s to defend the suit Dr. McKnight has
brought against me. (!)rossed the North River to Fowl's Hook and
dined with Colonel Lutterloh and Isaac Melcher, Alderman Lott,
Henry Sheaff, Mr. Denny, from Virginia, and two other gentlemen.
The General returned to Philadelphia.
August 2g, — Forenoon attended the German Reformed Church, Rev.
Daniel Gross, and afternoon the Lutheran Church, Rev. Mr.
Kuntz, formerly of Philadelphia. After church Mr. Von Puhl and
I took a walk about the city, and on my return to my lodgings
. found my son Robert there.
August 30. — Sent my son to General Lewis Morris's, nine miles from /
. the city, but he failed to find him at liome. Mr. Ellsworth and I .
called on John Levy, Jr., and were well received, and were given a
light lunch with wine and punch.
August 31. — Left New York to-day, my son to follow me on Thurs-
day. Breakfasted at Newark. At Elizabethtown met Colonel
James Thompson, and we dined at Woodbridge. Nighted at
Major Egbert's in Brunswick.
68 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
September /. — Set out at four o'clock and had breakfast at Kingstown.
At Trenton I dined with Mr. Hunt, made a short stop at Bristol,
and arrived at my home at eight o'clock and found my family well.
September 3. — Before breakfast met Magistrates Plunkett Fleeson, J.
Howell, and Paschall, and my brother Commissioners, at Samuel
Pleasants's, to view the common sewer that leads through his gar-
den. We all agreed that it was not sufficient to receive all the
water from Market and Fourth Streets at the time of a smart
shower of rain, it being only two feet eight inches in diameter.
Inspected the work on Carpenter and South Streets.
September 6. — Met the Commissioners in the Indian Queen Tavern
yard this evening and sent two laborers down into the common
sewer to walk up to Market Street and measure it. They reported
it to be four feet six inches and in some places only four feet in the
clear.
September 14^ — Michael Wartman began to plow in Penn Street to
prepare it for paving.
September 16, — Four Commissioners met at the comer of Fourth and
Market Streets, with Plunket Fleeson, John Gill, Isaac Howell, and
Benjamin Paschall, Magistrates ; two Regulators, James Pearson
and William Moulder. Several street matters were decided, the
main one concerning the common sewer at Fourth and Market
Streets. Much has been said about carrying the water above
ground, from Market Street along Fourth to Walnut Street, but
being told by the regulators present that Fourth Street at Chestnut
must be lowered nine feet seven inches from what it is at present to
allow the water a fall of five-eighths of an inch in every ten feet, it
was apparent to all that it was impracticable for surface drainage.
It was agreed that the old sewer be cleaned out this fall and to
erect a new one next spring, to effectually prevent any overflow.
September 18, — Workmen are putting down a wooden gutter on
Seventh Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets.
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHBIMER. 69
September 21. — My son Thomas and I stopped at Rush's, where we
had beefsteak and punch with William Govett, Samuel Hudson, J.
Williamson, Abraham Kintzing, J. Baker, Philip Odenheimer, and
Philip Hall. The workmen are digging a gutter on Carpenter
Street
September 25. — ^The Hon. Henry Laurens took away the pair of
horses I sold him. With three Commissioners went to Ogden's
ferry and examined the street next to the Schuylkill, which John
Dunlap has opened through his lot, and wants his neighbors to do
the same.
September 2y. — ^Took a ride with the Hon. Cyrus GrifGn in his car-
riage, to try a pair of black horses he purchased of the Hon. Von
Berkel, the Ambassador from Holland. To-day the House of
Assembly broke up without adjournment, by reason of a bill being
introduced for enfranchising non-jurors, and which was only carried
by the Speaker's vote. About twenty withdrew.
September jo. — Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth set out for Hartford
with his son ; they just arrived from France.
October 4.. — ^The Street Commissioners notified people along Front
Street to remove rubbish from before their property and to repair
the footway. •
October 14., — Received of Isaac Snowden, Treasurer, £1% for my last
year's services as Street Commissioner.
October ig. — ^At noon went to the Widow Matthews's tavern with Col-
onel William Coates, Captain Simons, and another gentleman, and
had some punch.
October 22, — Andrew Geyer and I took a walk to view the bad places
in the streets north of Market Street.*
October 25, — Met several gentlemen at Mr. Funk's tavern, in relation
. to the petition to the « Assembly to have the market extended on
Market Street to Fourth.
October 27. — ^Workmen and teams were engaged yesterday in remove
>mr^m^^^i^^^m
70 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
ing the dirt from Market Street. Richard Willing and Scott, mem-
bers of the Assembly, dine with me to-day.
October ^p. — Gutters are being laid, one in Walnut and Seventh Streets,
the other in Eighth and Arch Streets. James Pearson, Regulator,
with a board of the Street Commissioners, fegulated Eighth Street
from Market to George Street, and found a descent of five-eighths of
an inch in every ten feet from Arch to George Street, which was
considered sufficient to carry the water across Market Street
October ji, — I packed up my books and papers while General Greene
was quartermaster general, and sent them to William Denning, Esq.,
in New York.
November 10, — Called on the wheelwright who is making a closed
box for the Street Commissioners to carry off the refuse about the
market.
November 12. — Mr. Joseph Ogden, at the ferry, invited me to his house
to drink punch, on account of the marriage of his daughter to
Thomas Palmer yesterday.
November 15, — Superintended the laying of the trunk at Tenth and
Market Streets.
November 20, — ^The Commissioners went to Vine and Ninth Streets,
and agreed that the streets are to be repaired next spring to make
them passable and to prevent the brickmakers from digging into
them.
November 24. — ^At noon went to the burial of Andrew Hamilton, whose
body was taken early this morning from the city to Bush Hill, and
from the house carried to the grave alongside of his uncle. The
Rev. William White performed the service.
November 26. — Hard rain last* night and to-day. Went on horseback
to view the several cross streets from Vine to South and west of
Fifth, to see which way to draw off the water where it stands in
ponds.
November 2g, — Mr. Barge, Andrew Carson, and I went to Brown's
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMEIL 7 1
tavern on Arch Street and there met eight members of the Assembly
in relation to extending the market in Market Street up to Fourth
Street.
December 75. — Surveyor Thomas Hutchins, jiist from the backwoods,
where he has been running the line between Virginia and Penn-
sylvania, drank tea with us.
1785.
*
January 5. — Attended the burial of Dr. John Morgan's wife at St.
Peter's Church. Walked with George Mifflin; snowing at the
time. The Rector's text was i Corinth. 15 th chapter, from the 20th
verse to end of chapter.
January 12, — William Richards and John Purdon came to my house
and we examined the Commissioner's books to ascertain the cost
of cleaning the streets and hauling off the dirt for one year, and
found it to be ;^iii8 15s. 5d., from which sum is to be deducted
street dirt sold, jf 140. We have also used for paving the streets
1 87 1 loads of gravel.
January if, — ^Took my wife half a mile over Schuylkill to see a chain
made of iron eight feet long tested for strength. It withstood five
and a half tons, but broke on adding another ton The experiment
was made in order to know what number of chains will be necessary
of that size for a bridge over the Schuylkill.
January ig, — Made an examination of all line houses standing on the
streets. General Mifflin and his lady called at my house with a
letter from R. B. Lloyd, of Maryland, and at the same time \
told me he had purchased Mr. Graff's house, on Market Street,
for ;C26oo.
January 22, — My wife accompanied the two Misses Morris to see
General Mifflin's house on Market Street. Messrs. Boyd, Rich-
ards, and I examined the law regarding broad wheels.
Jt UiAKX or JiUXPS HILXZH
If4$rch //— T^ Serect Cc^snmrwooos cootiactcd v-fdi tbe kZywiog
ytfV/tH to keep t!>e f(r«els oean during tbe ntsnir.g year : —
A>xa&^&er M J^« Ixwcr I»fenct, ', £330
y/ ..JM Y-^9mi^ MM^ytjt DniTvX 190
Uyuiuti WsuxmiM, ^V?^ D/ssnct, 370
Hatch 6, — Autiyitd the burial of Hon. Joseph Reed, from his house
f/n Chestnut Oireet to the ground on Arch Street above Fifth. He
wa« cb^ftea mtmbcf of Gcmgress just as he arrived from England,
^ alx/ut UjUf weeks ago*
Mtarch 7, — I went up Second Street, with the intention of attending
the burial of John Morris, Esq,, but came too late.
March 16. — ^Took a walk down to Third Street, to look at die work-
men pull down the old gaol and workhouse. To-morrow the old
material will be sold
March 26. — I have been sick since the i8th inst, and have Dr. Kuhn
in attendance. General Mifflin and Richard Lloyd came to see me.
April id, — Messrs, Gcyer, Kraft, and I went out Vine Street, and met
David Rittenhouse, Tench Francis, Matthew Qarkson, Nathan Sel-
lers, S, Garrigues, Joseph Rakestraw, Hugh Roberts, and my son
Robert, surveying and leveling the ground for a canal from the
Delaware to the Schuylkill. They found the highest point to be
near Broad and Vine Streets, 39^ feet above low-water mark in
the Schuylkill. We dined at Mr. Garrigues's country house, near
Poplar Lane and Fourth Street After dinner Colonel Jacob Mor-
gan arrived, and we went with him to level up Master's or Negley's
Run, as far as the division line between. the Mifflin and Taylor
estates.
April 2j, — Went to the State House yard to look at the rows of trees
Samuel Vaughan, Esq., donated, and is directing the planting of.
, Met Mr. Dean, who asked me to go up >yith him in one of the rooms
in the State House to- see the printing of money, and saw Bailey
and his press at work.
. S * ^. '- . I - -- I, II » l a il>t<WWW*M«»<«Mifc I fciWl J X— >^— ^«»».
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 73
April 2g, — Met seven Magistrates, six Regulators, and five Street Com-
missioners at Nathan Boys's, on Front Street, to determine the water-
courses in the southern section of the city. It was decided that
the water be turned down South Street into the Delaware, from the
west of Fourth Street, and that a sewer is necessary for the purpose.
We cannot do anything before obtaining a law from the Legislature.
May 2, — ^Went to the St Tammany Anniversary, at David Beveridge's
place over the Schuylkill, late Reese Meredith's. A large number
of gentlemen collected, with tickets in their hats which cost*8s. 4d,
but afforded us ample food and drink. The first thing done was, the
gentlemen formed a ring, and chose James Read, Esq., their Chief;
Timothy Matlack, his Secretary ; and the following gentlemen the
Chief's Council : George Bryan, Plunket Fleeson, William Moore,
Frederick Phile, Esqrs. ; General Daniel Hiester ; Colonels Coates,
Dean, Will, Boyd, Wade, Eyre, Proctor, and Jonathan Bayard
Smith. In the evening I met our fire company and paid my fines.
May 7. — Dined at General Mifflin's, with General Brodhead, Richard
B. Lloyd and his wife from Maryland.
May p. — Mr. Richard B. Lloyd and his family left to-day for their seat
at Bunnett's Point, Maryland. I observed in this day's paper that
Abraham Hunt, of Trenton, was married to Miss Dagworthy at
Elizabethtown on the 4th inst. He has been a widower since March
6, 1784. Took a ride with my wife over Schuylkill by the upper
bridge, and returned by George Gray's, which is much the best
bridge.
May 24^ — ^The Street Commissioners were met at the Court House by
the Board of Wardens and the Managers of the House of Employ-
ment, to consult as to whether the Collectors of Taxes to the several
Boards shall receive or not the paper-money just issued.
June 4.. — Messrs. Boys, Geyer, and I went to Market and Fourth
Streets, and gave directions at what height to set the centres for the
arch. It is to have a floor of three-inch plank, with a hollow of four
inches in the middle ; the cross-pieces to extend across the founda-
6
•WMM^i^ns^H
\
74 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
tion, and a large stone to be laid over them, so that they can be
taken out, without injuring the foundation or wall, in case the floor
should want repairing.
June II, — I went on horseback, and three of my associates in a light
wagon, to Captain Van Heers, at the Falls of Schuylkill, and there
had some catfish soup. I walked over to see General Mifflin, who
told me that he had been laid up for two weeks, and that this was
the first day of his going out.
June /p. — ^This afternoon my wife got very sick, and Dr. Kuhn or-
dered her to be bled in the jbot .
Jtdy II. — The Commission tried Mr. Vaughan's water-cart. We are
laying a trunk on Vine Street, opposite Mr. Penn's place.
July 75. — Agreed with Tench Francis for all the gravel the Street
Commissioners may need at 6d. per load.
July 2j. — ^The Street Commissioners went to the State House con-
cerning the presentment of the Grand Jury, as published in the
Daily Advertiser of July i8th, when Mr. Ingersoll, their attorney,
informed the Court that they felt themselves aggrieved by the said
presentment, and charged with neglect that did not belong to them,
for, early in the season, they appointed scavengers to clean the streets
for twelve months, in accordance with law. Mr. Chief Justice
McKean replied that the gentlemen must have been unacquainted
with the laws of the State, or they would not have presented the
Street Commissioners, as it appears very plain that they are not the
delinquents.
\July 28. — Went to Trenton and neighborhood, and returned home
August Sth.]
August 8. — ^Took my three daughters to Harrowgate to show them
the mineral water, and baths. We met several friends, and, after a
lunch, returned home.
August 22. — Our men began to plow in Market Street between
Seventh and Eighth.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 75
August 2j. — ^Veiy hard rain last night, so much so that the water over-
flowed the arch at Market and Fourth Streets and ran into Mr.
Cooper's cellar. This is the first overflow since the new arch has
been added.
September i. — At 4 o'clock this morning, took my daughter Kitty and
Betsey De Camp to F. Lee's stage-wagon on Market Street, where it
starts for New York. The girls are to stay in Trenton until Dr.
De Camp comes for them from Hopewell.
September ij. — ^Two of my colleagues went with me to our gravel-pits,
where we have four teams hauling gravel to Market Street. From
there we drove over Schuylkill to look at young Mr. Penn's place.
September /^. — ^The Hon. Benjamin Franklin arrived at Market Street
wharf and. walked up to his house.
September 16. — We are hauling gravel to Market and Eleventh Streets
and spreading it. Went down to see the workmen employed
making steps from Front to Water Streets, at two points. In the
afternoon took my wife and daughter Hannah a ride over Schuyl-
kill, to show them Mr. Penn's place adjoining Isaac Warner's.
September 21. — ^The Commissioners met on Market Street to examine
the pavers' work ; some part of it is badly done, and we decided it
must be gone over, and they must do better work ; otherwise, they
will be discharged.
September 18. — Retuming^ from my visit to Trenton, I called at Mr.
Edward Duflield's. He was absent from home, but Mrs. Duflield
entertained me kindly with dinner and wine.
October 4.. — Remarkably hard rain all night. In the morning went on
horseback to view the water-courses on Vine, Race, Arch, Market,
Eighth and Ninth, and Pine and Dock Streets. Went to the State
House, and was drawn on a jury: Matthew Clarkson, foreman ;
Messrs. Whitesides, Henry, Hysham, Harbison, Dean, Harrison,
Cornman, Stocker, Bispham, Morgan, and myself.
October 7^. — In the evening rode to my lot and near there met General
t
76 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMEIL
MifHin, his wife, and her sister. Loaned the General my horse to
ride home, his pair of horses having too much of a load to go to the
Falls.
October 2p. — ^The Hon. Benjamin Franklin was proclaimed President
and Charles Biddle Vice-President of this State. The Commis-
sioners viewed Eighth Street from Market to Spruce Street near the
• Hospital, and so down to the river, taking in part of Pine Street.
November 11. — ^Went to the Assembly, where C. Pettit, James Wilson,
and William Henry, of Lancaster, were re-elected Delegates to
Congress, and Arthur St. Clair and John Bayard in the place of Dr.
Jackson and J. Gardner.
Nove^nber 12, — Richards and I inspected the streets of the Middle
District, of which William Young is scavenger, and found Front
Street and part of Second Street in bad order.
November 14. — ^This morning the Commissioners met at my house
and determined that the three scavengers clean all the streets that are
dirty throughout the city in one week.
November 16. — Met Samuel Vaughan on Walnut Street concerning
the planting of a row of trees on said street from Fifth to Sixth
Streets. '
\ December /p. — We laid the bridge over the run on Race Street and
I made our teams go over it with their loads. After Messrs. Boys and
i Richards joined me, we went down the Schuylkill to George Savell's
\ tavern and had a bowl of good punch.
December 2j, — My son Thomas came home to spend Christmas with
us. In the afternoon took a ride to William Standley's place at'
Point no Point, and stopped at Thomas Hopkinson's to see his
colts.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMBIU JJ
1786.
January /. — Had to dine with me Colonels Fanner, Will, and Mdcher,
and John Vaughan.
January 2. — Met the Vestry in the German Reformed schoolhouse,
and at night the Society for Promoting Agriculture at Carpenters'
Hall.
January 11. — Colonel J. Wadsworth breakfasted with me, after which
we went on horseback to see General Mifflin at the Falls, but he
had gone to his farm near Reading. The Vestry of the German
Reformed Church distributed £'^2 17 s. 6d. among the poor of the
congregation.
January ij. — ^Went to the burial of John Ogden, whose body was
taken from the house of his brother-in-law Thomas Palmer, on
Market Street, and buried in Friends' ground. Young Savery
spoke at the grave.
January 14.. — Dined at Thompson's Indian Queen with my colleagues
of the Street Commission, Nathaniel Boys, Andrew Geyer, Peter
Kraft, William Richards, and John Purdon..
January 16. — ^Summoned to the State House for jury duty. The
Judges, in their red robes, w ere Chief Justice McKean, Jacob Rush,
and George Bryan. The names of the jurymen were : Abraham
Markoe, Richard Bache, John Steinmetz, John Moylan, Donald*
son, John Pringle, William TumbuU, Andrew Doz, George Emlen,
Robert McKnight, Alexander Todd, and myself. We determined
two causes.
January /p. — Last night the Delaware froze fast. Went with my
colleagues, the Street Commissioners, to Isaac Snowden, Esq., our
treasurer, to settle, our last year's accounts with him. The follow-
ing gentlemen dined with him : Jerediah Snowden, Gunning Bed-
ford, Samuel McLane, Nathaniel Buys, Andrew Geyer, William
Richards, Peter Kraft, John Purdon, and George Hovey.
f^*^
78 PIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
January 2^. — In the afternoon came Messrs. Boys and Greyer, as per
agreement, to examine our carters' accounts, to get at the number
of loads of grravel the public had from Mr, Francis's gravel pit in
Fourth Street last summer, being 808 loads. Mr. Kraft came to
see us, told us that our colleague, William Richard's wife had
brought him two sons at a birth this day.
January 28. — Several vessels came up to the city to-day. Navigation
has only been stopped about ten days.
January J I. -^Forenoon went with General Mifflin to Mr. Rittenhouse's,
from thence to his house on Race Street, where came Messrs.
Stoneburner and Kintzing concerning some public accounts. In the
afternoon, Stoneburner and Kintzing, William Rush, George Nelson,
and John Grau came to my house with regard to some accounts
Stoneburner and Kintzing have against the public for horse and team
hire.
February /. — In the afternoon William Richards, Captain Boys, and I
met on Chestnut Street, at the bank door, and went to Mr. Thomp-
son's and drank a bottle of port wine. At night Mr. Hunt came
here ; at the same time a fire broke out in a carpenter's shop in
Cherry Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets, whijch was consumed.
February j. — In the forenoon went to see my fellow-countryman,
Colonel Lewis Farmer, in Arch Street, near Fifth ; drank punch
and wine with a very large number of gentlemen, on account of his
- being married last night. Went to the Upper Ferry with four of the
Street Commissioners to settle about some stone.
February 7. — In the evening met at Carpenters' Hall the Society of
Agriculture, eighteen members present. We agreed that a gold
medal be given to Colonel George Morgan, of New Jersey, for
having the best farmyard of any the Society has information oil
Colonel Morgan can say that he received the first medal given by
the Society.
February 10, — ^This afternoon Peter Kraft and I took a ride to my lot,
from thence we went across to Mr. Robert Morris's land on the
tm^
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 79
Schuylkill and to Vine and Race Streets, to view the work we have
done as Commissioners last fall. Andrew Geyer met us and we
went to Mr. Pole's place and drank a bowl of punch.
February //. — In the afternoon met at Captain N. Beyer's, agreeable to
appointment with the Street Commissioners, to consult concerning
the cleaning of the streets for the ensuing year.
m
February jj, — ^To night went down to Abraham Kintzing's to see my
wife home ; she spent the afternoon there.
February 16, — In the evening went to Mr. Thompson's, at the Indian
Queen. There met my brethren, the City Magistrates, agreeable to
appointment, for the purpose of arranging the mode of cleaning the
streets for the ensuing year. Present: Edward Shippen, Plunket
Fleeson, Joseph Wharton, William Rush, and Isaac Howell, Esqrs. ;
Andrew Geyer, Nathan Boys, William Richards, John Purdon, Peter
Kraft, and myself. Street Commissioners.
February 18. — In the afternoon the Street Commissioners met at my
house. We examined Sixth Street, near the Workhouse, and from
thence went to Captain Boys's, where we drew up an advertisement
' and offered a reward of £$ to any person that will inform of the
persons who deposited quantities of filth out of cesspools on Seventh,
Eighth, and Ninth Streets.
February 21. — Forenoon went to Mr. Francis Hopkinson's, on Race
Street, concerning a letter from Joseph Borden, of Bordentown, to
me ; from there went to see Colonel Samuel Miles. At night met
the Commissioners at the Court House.
February 22. — This evening Mr. Andrew Geyer came to my house,
when we examined the Street Commissioner books for some years
back concerning money advanced by the Hon. John Penn and
others, in 1770, for the Street Commissioners to pave Fourth Street
between Walnut and Spruce Streets. We found that all the lenders
have been repaid between the years 1774 and 1777, as may be seen
in a book at the Court House.
im <
80 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
February 2j. — ^A. Gcyer and I went to Benjamin Chew, Esq.'s, and
showed him the book wherein it is entered that the Hon. John
Penn had been paid the ;^ 100 he advanced the Commissioners for
paving Fourth Street. The reason we went to Mr. Chew was, that
he claimed the said money and was told that Mr. Penn had not
received it. We left Mr. Chew quite satisfied that he was misin-
. formed, and that he was sorry he had called on the Commissioners
* for it
February 24,. — At night went to the Court House. Dined with Gene-
ral Thomas Mifflin,, at his house on Race Street. ,
February 27. — In the afternoon went to Gravel Hill, afterward to
Sixth Street, near the Workhouse, where I met Peter Kraft, oversee-
ing Morton making three bridges by order of our Board.
February 28. — In the forenoon attended the Assembly ; at night met
the Street Commissioners at the Court House.
March 2, — Forenoon went to the Assembly. In the afternoon went
to the burial of old Mrs. Kintzing. She was taken from her son-
in-law's house, William Prichard's, on Front Street below the
drawbridge, and buried in the churchyard in Arch Street. Her
son, Abraham Kintdng, went to the burial, but did not walk as a
mourner, nor did he go into Prichard's house, where his mother
died, because he and his sister have been, and are now, at variance
with each other.
March 4.. — Forenoon went to the Assembly room and spoke to several
members concerning the market house to be extended.
^arch 6. — Went to John Drinker's and offered him Joseph Dobbins's
lot. This evening went over to Mr. J. Dunlap's, where was Isaac
Gray, Esq., member of our Assembly. Our conversation was about
extending the market in High Street from Third Street.
March 7. — Breakfasted with General Mifflin, Speaker of the House of
Assembly. Mr. George Nelson and I went to Mr. Benjamin Stille's
office concerning Nicholas Knight's Continental account. In the
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIICER. 8 1
afternoon Mr. Peter Kraft and I took a ride to look at the bridge in
Race Street, near Schuylkill. In the evening went with L. Stone-
burner to Carpenters' Hall, and there met the Society of Agricul-
ture. *
March 12. — Went to church in the forenoon. . After church, Colonel
George Woods, Member of the Assembly, and I went to General
Mifflin's, at the Falls, there dined with the following gentlemen :
Mr. Evans, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Prizor, Mr. Meminger, Colonel
Howard, Colonel Menges, Captain Barry, and Captain Gribson.
March /j. — Had to dine with me the following gentlemen, all mem-
bers of Assembly : General Mifflin, Colonel George Woods, from
Bedford ; Mr. Evans, from Chester ; and Colonel Will, for the
City.
March i8. — Afternoon went to the Northern Liberties and gave my
vote for two Overseers of the road, Mr. Brown, of Kensington, and
John Hart, at the Three Mile Run. Afterward met the Street
Commissioners at Captain N. Boys's, to consult as to which of the
streets are to be paved this season.
March /p. — ^In the afternoon my wife and the Widow Matthews went
to see Mrs. James White in Front above Vine Street ; myself and
daughter Molly took a ride in my chair by Gravel Hill.
March 20, — Engaged all day concerning the cleaning of the streets for
the ensuing season.
March 21. — In the afternoon we, the Street Commissioners, with four
of the Magistrates, viewed the several streets that want paving.
Afterward went to the Indian Queen, there fixed the price for ^
Wartman and Miller to clean the streets for one year, jf'SSO each,
and to attend with their cart at every house once a week. Present
at Thompson's Indian Queen the following: Plunket Fleeson, Isaac
Howell, John Gill, William Rush, and Joseph Wharton, Esq. ; Peter
Kraft, Andrew Geyer, Nathan Boys, William Richards, John Pur-
don, and myself. Street Commissioners.
82 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
March 22. — In the afternoon the Street Commissioners met at Captain
N. Boys's, and from there we went to Mr. Isaac Snowden's and
spent the evening.
March i»j.— In the forenoon the Assembly passed a law for extending
the market houses on High Street. I planted two Lime trees on
Seventh Street at the house John Dunlap lives in, for which I paid
15 s.
March 24^ — ^Went to Gravel Hill, and then to William Standley's place.
In the evening met at my house Messrs. Boys, Geyer, Kraft, Purdon,
and Richards, Street Commissioners, and after tea we went to Car-
penters' Hall, where met a committee of the Society of Agriculture
at their request concerning the making of a piece of road in Market
Street, near the Public Square.
March -25. — Forenoon I went to William Jones's meadow ; coming
back, went to Cristy's at Morris's place, to look at his large heifer.
In the afternoon took a ride to Schuylkill and round by Gravel
Hill with Colonel Samuel Miles. Afterward met the Street Com-
missioners at Captain Boys's, where A. Miller and M. Wartman
signed the contract as scavengers of the streets for one year, for
which they are to receive j^'ssoeach.
March 2g, — Breakfasted at DeWitt's tavern, Trenton, where we lodged,
and Colonel Miles and I left for Colonel George Morgan's, at
Princetown, on purpose to see his farm and &rmyard. He received
us kindly, and showed us every improvement about his place, and
after we had dined with him we returned to Trenton, drank tea at
Mr. A. Hunt's, and supped at DeWitt's.
March jo, — Colonel Miles and I went to see Messrs. Bird & Wilson's
works, near Trenton Falls, thence to McElroy's, where we met Mr.
A. Hunt, his son Pearson, and my son Robert. We all dined here,
then stopped a little while at the Ten Mile Tavern, and arrived at
Philadelphia by sunset.
March J I, — In the afternoon attended at the State House, where was
collected a very large number of people to hear the members de-
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 83
bate concerning the charter of the bank. The Hon. Robert Morris
spoke the whole afternoon. Took two members home with me to
tea, Wheeler and Bull ; afterward went to the Court House.
April /. — Forenoon attended again at the State House. The following
members spoke in favor of the bank : Fitzsimmons, Robert Morris,
and George Clymer, Esqrs. ; against it: Smiler, Whitchild, and
Findlay, Esqrs. The question was then put ; 28 in favor of the
bank, and 41 members against it
April 4.. — ^At six o'clock this evening met the Society of Agriculture at
Carpenters' Hall ; I left the Society, and met the Street Commis-
sioners at the Court House.
April S' — Forenoon attended at the House of Assembly. The House
lowered tKeir salaries from iss. per day to 12s. 6d. ; and the Speak-
er's (General Mifflin), from 22s. 6d. to 20s. a day, and the members of
Council to I2S. 6d. per day, and the Secretary to the Executive
Council from £7SO to ;^6oo per annum, for himself and clerk.
April 7. — Forenoon went to Mr. Matthew Clarkson's, and shewed him
my deeds for the house and lot at the southwest corner of Market
and Seventh Streets. In the afternoon went with my brethren,
the Street Commissioners, to view Lombard Street, in order to find
out the owners of the lots who extended their fences into the
street. Afterward went to a raising frolic at Robert Erwin's. The
company dined in the new house this day raised on Market Street,
near Seventh Street. It is only one month this day since Erwin
begun digging the cellar. At night, met the Commissioners again
at the Court House.
April 8. — In the afternoon met the Magistrates with my brethren of
the Street Commission ; then went and viewed the sewer, back of
the Workhouse ; from thence went to Cedar Street, and from thence
to J. McCutcheon's tavern. There we resolved that the Common
sewer, above mentioned, be built this summer, from the wall of the
Workhouse, down to Fifth Street, and about 100 feet east of said
street, to a house-wall ; and likewise agreed that Sixth Street, from
>
84 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIlfER.
Market Street southward to Carpenter Street, be paved, and Dock
Street, between Third and Walnut Streets, be paved ; provided the
arch under said street is sufficient and in good repair to receive all
the water conveyed to said arch. Concerning the water-course, or
courses, on Cedar Street, it was left undetermined. The gentlemen
present were : Edward Shippen, Joseph Wharton, John Gill, Isaac
Howell, and William Rush, Magistrates; Nathan Boys, Andrew
Geyer, Peter Kraft, John Purdon, William Richards, and myself,
.Commissioners.
April g, — In the morning went to church ; then went with Mr. Tench
Francis to General Mifflin's, and dined with him at his place at the
Falls, in company with John Gill, Esq., Cadwalader Morris, Colonel
Mentges, Doctor Ross, Tench Francis, Mrs. Mifflin, ^nd her two
sisters.
April II. — Forenoon gave my two youngest daughters a ride in my
chair to Aunt Foster's lot, where my people were repairing the
fences.
April 12. — Went with John Purdon and marked out the ground for a
ditch in Spruce Street near Schuylkill, to drain oflf the water. In
the afternoon gave my wife a ride in chair.
April ij.-^VeXtv Gordon, Esq.J from Jersey, spent the evening with me
yesterday. To-day I went to Spruce Street and set Henry Grotts
to making the ditch Mr. Purdon and I staked out yesterday.
April 14,. — Forenoon went to Spruce Street again, where two men are
at work making a ditch. Afternoon went with my wife to Laskey's
J slaughter house, to see the beef of the five-year-old steer I sold him
<.' r' I ^^^ ^^^' Afterward we went to Point-no-Point, to William
^xT^ Standley's place, and in the evening went again to look at the
ditchers.
April 75. — In the morning went and looked at the ditchers. My
daughter went to Gravel Hill in Mr. Samuel Vaughan's Wagon, and
in the afternoon I attended at Isaac Howell's, Esq., concerning Mary
Biddle's quarrel in the neighborhood and her abuse of me. Henry
w.. .-vw*- » ■■» n i W> «i ^rt Mii ^1 I .Pi n — — iMiii i> iiMti i ii iwwi«»i^^t<i^Mj»afci^wi«*i»^»t!i^^#i»^>Mti;»BjfaiB^aWiPw^^*Wi>^»iT*T*****"»^^
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 8$
Hart was bound for her good behavior for three months in the sum
of £20,
April 16, Easier Sunday. — Went to church twice. Peter Gordon, Esq.,
and Mr. Patterson, from Maryland, spent the evening at my
house.
April 18, — In the afternoon met at the comer of Race and Fifth
Streets the Magistrates and Regulators, William Pollard in Front
Street, Craig in Second Street, and William Rush, Elsq. Pol-
lard and Craig are newly-elected. We viewed Cedar Street again.
April /p. — In the forenoon William Richards and I went to see the
ditchers at work in Spruce Street Took the public plow to the
blacksmith to have it put in order for plowing in Lombard Street
to-morrow. In the afternoon gave my wife a ride in chair up Ridge
Road, through Turner's Lane, and down Germantown Road.
April 21. — In the afternoon went to Mr. Samuel Vaughan's, in Chest-
nut Street, and gave him an account of the weight and size of my
large cow that was sold to Mr. McCutcheon for 65 guineas. Her four
quarters weighed 1347 fi>s. Likewise gave him an account of two
large oxen, the first slaughtered March, 1774, the four quarters
weighed 1332 9>s., the other in Mard^ 1776, quarters weighed 1240
Sbs;, an account of which Mr. Vaughan told me he would send to
England.
April 22, — In the afternoon took a ride to Spruce Street to see whether
the ditch we are making draws off the water, and found that it must
be made deeper in some places before it will answer the purpose.
April 24., — Forenoon went to the Court House, being summoned on a
Grand Jury. A jury was made up before I arrived and a fine put
down to me, but telling the Judge, Edward Shippen, that I attended
at the State House, expecting that it was there I was wanted, and
when I fpund my mistake came directly here, but too late, how-
ever, the Court readily excused me, for which I returned thanks.
April 2j, — ^Forenoon took a ride to the workmen on Spruce Street, '
■WW*
86 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIlfER.
Cedar Street, and Lombard Street, and afternoon went with my wife
in chair and examined the ditch in Spruce Street again.
April 28, — In the afternoon went with my wife to the meadow ; coming
back, went to the ditch in Spruce Street and from thence to the
bridge on Race Street, where we met Captain Geyer. At night
met the Street Commissioners at the Court House.
April 2p. — Forenoon went to the ditchers, from thence to South and
Lombard Streets. In the afternoon went with my wife to Gravel
Hill, from thence to Race Street bridge, and Spruce Street again.
May I. — Forenoon went with Peter Kraft to Cedar Street, and set two
men to making a ditch ; from there went to Spruce Street, near
Schuylkill, to look at that street, and then to Race Street, to
Edward Pole's place, on the banks of the Schuylkill, where the
Sons of St. Tammany are to dine to-day. Afternoon went with
General Mifflin in my chair, son Robert on horseback, dined at the
Falls. At four o'clock the General and I went to Venderin's Hill,
and there met a number of men concerning the altering the road
up or around said hill.
May 2, — Forenoon met the Street Commissioners at William Rich-
ards's, and from there we went to view Sixth and Race Streets and
Cresson's Alley ; then three of the Board went to Cedar Street ;
Andrew Geyer and myself went to our workmen at the gravel pit
in Fourth Street. In the evening met the Society of Agriculture
«
at Carpenters' Hall, and afterward the Street Commissioners at the
Court House.
May J. — Forenoon attended the ploughing of Sixth Street, and part
of the afternoon the laborers loading the carts. In the evening gave
my wife a ride to Gravel Hill.
May ^. — Before breakfast and in the afternoon attended the laborers
in Sixth Street. At ten o'clock, forenoon, went with my wife and
daughter Kitty to the grand concert in the German Reformed
Church, in Race Street ; paid five shillings a ticket. In the evening
■■^■*^** " - ■** ■— ^^-^. .^ V^^Y ^-P^-. -. Jf^
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIlfBR. 8/
Dr. DeCamp and his daughter Betsey, and likewise Mr. A. Hunt,
came to my house from Trenton.
May J, — ^Attended the workmen in Sixth Street in the fore- and after-
noon ; at night met the Street Commissioners at the Court House.
May 10. — Forenoon went with Mr. Andrew Geyer, in my chair, to the
following places, where we had people at work : gravel pit, Race
Street, Vine Street, Eighth Street, Spruce Street ditch, and in South
or Cedar Street In the afternoon we made use, for the first time,
of our new plow in Sixth Street, which John Purdon had made
agreeable to his draft, but we soon found that it did not do so well
without a cart as with it. Therefore Captain Geyer and myself
agreed to follow my mode lately put in practice, to hitch the plow
with a chain to the axletree of tlie cart, which is the best and easiest
way to plow the hard-trodden streets.
May II. — ^Attended the workmen in Sixth and Arch Streets fore- and
afternoon. This afternoon my son Robert went for the first time
to meet the Light-Horse, commanded by Captain S. Miles, in his
uniform.
May /j.->— Attended the workmen plowing a ditch in Eighth Street
and in Vine Street
Majf i^ — Before breakiast took a ride with my wife, in chair, up Ger-
mantown Road and down Ridge Road. Went to church fore- and
afternoon.
May // . — Before breakiast put my big sorrel, leader of my train, and
my gray chair-horse in General St Clair's light wagon, and gave
my four daughters and Betsey DeQunp a ride up Point Road, across
below Frankford, and down Germantown Road. Attended the
workmen plowing in Eighth and Vine Streets, fore^ and afternoon.
May i8. — ^Attended the plowing in Sixth Street, between Market
and Arch Streets, likewise in Eighth Street.
Me^ ig. — ^Attended the workmen in Sixth Stre^ and plowing a
ditch in Sixth, between Walnut and Chestnut Streets. In the after-
■lNiW>««««Mi^
88
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
noon went with Captain Geyer, and attended to filling up the side
of the bridge at Ninth and Race Streets, which G. Morton made
yesterday, and likewise to covering the trunk in Eighth Street. At
night met at the Court House.
May 20. — Forenoon attended the workmen in Sixth Street and Arch
Street. Afternoon went in chair with my wife to Abel James's
j place, to look at Thompson's large cow.
•^ r ^ ' I ^^^ ^^' — ^^^ servant maid, Rosina, was impertinent to her mistress.
^ V \May 2j. — Forenoon attended the public workmen on Sixth Street
1
At noon Mr. Paris gave Mr. Geyer, Mr. Kraft, and me a bottle of
Rheinish wine. In the afternoon met the Vestry at the schoolhouse
to examine the tickets that have been handed in the last two Sun-
days for and against renting the pews in the church to families.
There appeared votes for family pews, 19; and against it, 62. The
latter part of the afternoon I attended to the spreading of the dirt
on Arch Street.
May 24., — My men brought the cow from Abel James's place which
I bought from Thompson for £ii.
May 2p. — ^This morning my two sons went to the meadow and brought
off my cattle, as all the meadows along both rivers are overflowed,
occasioned by the southeast storms and high tide. This morning, as
is said by the people along the wharves, the tide has been seven inches
higher than it has been at any time since the stores have been
erected along shore. In the afternoon I took a ride to the meadows,
and found that they were covered with water, more than I ever
saw them.
May J I. — Forenoon went with Judge Pendleton as far as George
Gray's Ferry, to see how his horses behave, which he bought of
Mr. Vaughan for ;f 120, to go to the Warm Springs in Virginia. In
the afternoon met, agreeable to appointment. Captain Boys, Peter
Kraft, and Andrew Geyer on Lombard Street, to view the new piece
of pavement.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 89
Jum J. — ^Went in chair with my wife, and showed her the water that
is over the meadows. It came quite up to the corner in the road,
where it makes a turn to George Young's, and we saw in several
places where it reached the upper rail of the fences. It is said that
the meadows were never so much covered with water since they
were banked in.
June 2, — Attended the laborers on Chestnut, between Ninth and
Tenth Streets, in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went with four
Commissioners to view the ditch on Spruce Street and the gravd-
pit on Market Street
June J. — ^The Street Commissioners, agreeable to appointment, met
at my house concerning the engaging of masons and material for
the common sewer from the Workhouse to Fifth Street, and like-
wise concerning the expense of the books, wherein every lot of this
city is to be entered, and to be kept by the Regulators.
June 4., — Forenoon went to church. This afternoon General Dehaas
was buried.
June S- — ^Attended the plowing and laborers on Sixth Street, and,
afternoon, went with my wife to the meadows, and found that the
water had disappeared.
June 7. — Forenoon set some of our laborers filling up the ruts on
Race and Vine Streets; in the afternoon went to Mr. Logan's stone
quarry by myself. Coming back, met Captains Boys and Geyer in
Wartman's light wagon, going to the same place, and turned back
with them.
June '^.— In the evening I, with three of the Street Commissioners,
met Messrs. Bedford, Nevill, and Parson, Regulators, at the Widow
McKinly's, to consult with them and to ascertain of Mr. Nevill and
Collins their charges, and what they are doing to the books, wherein
every square of the whole city is laid down, and the size of every
owner's lot put down that has been regulated since the year 1782.
The charge of the two gentlemen mentioned will be ;f33.i5s.
7
f>»»y<>;i»<p«t^f»»«»i^<»^i»iM»»— K>—— — *— ^»i»^M— — I— — ^— ^a»»Wi^— — i^»^i<i«^ o I « ^— g— ■.«.^^i»«»»— > I II i K ^— i^—^^^i— ^M»»»<»M«pj^>-^»»
90 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
June II. — ^Went to see Mr. Rittenhouse's door on Arch Street, where
an attempt was made last night to get in the house by some villains.
They nearly got out one of the panels of the door, but did not get
in.
June 75. — Mr. Nathaniel Hunt^ from the Jerseys^ dined at my house.
In the afternoon went with my wife to Gravel Hill, where my men
began to haul hay into the barn.
JuTie 77. — In the forenoon, according to appointment, met the rest of
the Commissioners at the common sewer at the Workhouse, and
agreed to set hands to work on Monday next.
June 18. — In the afternoon went to church. My son Robert and
daughter Kitty returned from the country.
June 20, — In the morning went to see our laborers at work at the
sewer near the Workhouse. My people fetched from William
Standley's to my stable one load of hay. In the afternoon went
wit.h my wife to Gravel Hill. From thence to Mr. Standley's.
, Drank tea there with his daughter and son-in-law, Godfrey Twells.
At night went to the Court House.
June 21. — ^Forenoon went with the Commissioners to Eighth Street,
to the Workhouse sewer, to Shewel's Alley, and to Coleman's
Alley.
June 22. — In the forenoon went to the burial of I«aac Shoemaker, and
walked with Jacob Cooper. Went with my four daughters to Mr.
Standley's to get cherries. In the evening my son Thomas, just
from Trenton, came to Gravel Hill to see us.
June 2j. — Forenoon went to Doctor Thomas Bond's place to look at
his hay ; at the same time he paid £2^^^ which was the full balance
of his account due to me. My people fetched part of a load of hay
from William Jones's bam to my stable. In the afternoon finished
putting in the hay at Mr. Tilghman's lot, and brought that on my
one acre lot home. My wife and I went to William Jones's meadow
to look at our cattle. At night went to Court House. *
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
91
Juni24^ — ^Took a ride up to the Falls to see General Mifflin, but found
he had gone up to his (arm near Reading. In the afternoon went
with my wife to the five-acre meadow.
June 25, — ^Went twice to church, and in the evening took a ride with
my wife over Mr. Gray's ferry and came back by Ogden's ferry, or
rather Bridge's.
June 28, — ^Timothy Matlack, who has just arrived from Georgia,
break&sted with me. Forenoon attended with the Commissioners
at the common sewer near the Gaol, and at Mr. Pine's well in Eighth
Street, and afternoon the laborers and teams in Sixth Street, south
of Market Street.
June 2g, — ^Attended the workmen in the afternoon in Sixth Street,
and went to the common sewer with Messrs. Geyer and Kraft
adjoining the Gaol wall.
June JO. — Attended the plowing in Sixth Street adjoining Chestnut
Street, which was done by Alexander Miller's teams. At night
was at the Court House.
July I. — In the afternoon went with my wife to Tinicum to look
at some hay of John Garret's. Bought two stacks of him, about
six tons, at £i per ton , to be taken away in six weeks. Coming
back met with Adam Geyer and William SheafT. The former took
us to his house on Blakely's Island and gave us a glass of very
good wine.
Jufy 2. — Before breakfast gave my two youngest daughters a ride up
Germantown Road, across Turner's Lane, and by my Gravel Hill
lot home. Went to church forenoon and afternoon.
Jufy J, — Forenoon attended the plowing in Sixth Street. Dined
with my brethren, the Street Commissioners, Boys, Geyer, Rich-
ards, Kraft, and Purdon, at the tavern opposite the State House.
After dinner I met the Vestry at the schoolhouse, and from thence
went to Germantown to Matthew Clarkson's to bring home my wife
and daughter Hannah, who were taken there this morning by my
son Robert.
92 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
Tuly 4. — Forenoon went to the church in Race Street to hear Major
William Jackson's oration delivered to the Pennsylvania Society of
the Cincinnati. Afternoon went to Governor Samuel Morris's
fishing house on Isaac Warner's place, and there dined on fish
and beefsteaks with the following gentlemen: Samuel Morris,
Gouverneur Morris, Tench Francis, John La^wrence, Richard Bache,
John Wharton, Robert Roberts, William Gray, Robert Irwin, Jr.,
Andrew Tybout, Joseph Rakestraw, George Cl)mier, Joseph Ogden,
Jr., Peter Brown, Samuel Wheeler, Benjamin Scull, J. Howes, and
others. Brought John Lawrence home with me in my chair.
July 5. — Forenoon attended in Sixth Street, Eighth Street, and the
common sewer near the Gaol. In the afternoon went with my men
to William Standley's place and fetched a load of brushwood to
make a shade for my cows in Mr. Tilghman's lot.
July 7. — Forenoon attended the plowing of Sixth Street to Chest-
nut Street, and afternoon went with my wife to Gravel Hill and
got two of my men to clean out the spring. At night went to the
Court House.
•/•V- /July 8. — 'Had my servant maid, Rosina SchaefTer, taken to Lewis
\ I Weiss's, Esq., on account of her insolent behavior to my wife and
Vrtin V myself. Mr. Weiss ordered her to the Workhouse.
A July p. — ^Went with my wife to Leonard Stoneburner's at German-
town, and after dinner we took a walk to his wheat field (eight acre
piece), which he intends to reap to-morrow and expects to get
twenty-seven bushels per acre.
July 10. — Forenoon attended at the work at the common sewer ad-
joining the Gaol. Afternoon went to the five-acre meadow with
my daughters Mary and Betsey, where my people were making
hay.
July II, — Had my wheat cut in Mr. Tilghman's lot My wife and son
William came to Gravel Hill ; then she and I went to Mr. Standley's
place at Point
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMEIL 93
July 12. — In the afternoon met at Captain Boys's the Street Commis-
sioners, and about six or eight of the Southwark gentlemen, con-
cerning the water courses about Cedar or South Street Mr. Hurst
asked alt of us to his house and gave us some wine and punch.
July ig, — Went with the Commissioners to Captain Boys's; from
thence we took a view of Dock Street, between Third and Walnut
Streets, to prepare the same for paving. Afterward Mr. Kraft and
I went to Witman's and Bellew's to inquire concerning the gravel
taken out of our gravel pit by one J. Engle. the carter. I went to
a tavern in Second Street, where P. Ozeas and two other gentlemen
were settling a dispute between John Grau and Ch. Stoltz, to give
them some information.
July 22. — Forenoon, agreeable to appointment, met the Commis-
sioners in Sixth Street to view the new pavement between Market
and Chestnut Streets. From thence we went to Elbow Lane and to
Dock Street. At one o'clocW my wife and I set out for the Falls to
Captain Von Heer's. There met and dined with Captain N.
Boys and wife, Captain A. Geyer and wife, Peter Kraft and wife,
John Purdon and wife, William Richards, and Alexander Miller,
who, with his wagon and horses, conveyed seven of the Commis-
sioners to said place and back to Philadelphia.
July 26. — ^Agreeable to appointment, met the Commissioners at the
new common sewer in Fifth Street, near the Workhouse; from
thence we went to the board house, that stands in Filbert Street,
at the request of Mr. Henderson, who lives next door. In the
afternoon attended with Peter Kraft in Sixth Street near Race
Street
July 28. — Before breakfast took a ride with Colonel Timothy Picker-
ing to my lot, he riding a bay horse of Mr. John Lawrence, which
he bought for ^50. In the afternoon met the Commissioners and
Regulators at James McCutcheon's, in order to prepare an estimate
of the projected common sewer in Cedar Street, to be laid before
the Magistrates at the appointed meeting to-morrow.
94 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
Jtdy 2^. — In the afternoon met the Magistrates, Regulators, Street
Commissioners, and a Committee from the people of Southwark, at
James McCutcheon's tavern, where it was agreed that a common
sewer of ten feet wide and eight feet high in the clear be built in
Cedar, or what some call South Street, to begin west of Fourth
Street near the Playhouse down to the River Delaware. Its begin-
ning and ending is to be two sewers of a smaller size, for a small
distance only. The people of Southwark agree to pay their pro-
portion toward it, as they will be much benefited. At the same
time two estimates were produced of what the sewer will cost, one
by the Regulators of ;f4350, the other by the Street Commis-
sioners of ;£^4792. The length of said sewer from its beginning to
I Delaware is 1920 feet. The gentlemen present were : —
I William Shippen, John Gill, Joseph Wharton, William Rush,
I William Pollard, Lewis Weiss, Magistrates,
\ James Pierson, Gunning Bedford, Thomas Nevill, John ConoUy,
\ Josiah Matlack, Regulators,
Nathan Boys, Andrew Geyer, John Purdon, William Richards,
Peter Kraft, Jacob Hiltzheimer, Street Commissianers,
M. Fisher, Elias Boys, Thomas Penrose, Joseph Marsh, Hugh .
Lenox, Committee of Southwark.
August I. — This evening it was so cool that we drank tea by the fire ;
at night met at Court House.
August 2, — We break&sted by the firei In the afternoon met Com-
missioners Boys, Geyer, and Richards at the sewer Fifth Street,
from thence we went and viewed several bad places in Cedar, Pine,
and Spruce Streets^ and at the same time we went to the Hospital,
found it clean and neat.
August 4., — Afternoon attended with Mr. Geyer the works in Sixth
Street near Race Street, and the common sewer near the Work-*
house.
August 5. — Met all the Street Commissioners except Peter Kraft, who
is sick, in the morning at Dock Street, between Third and Walnut
.»i «■■»,- ^.i^—i , ,. .—i n i, , ^., , , i. n . f- , n ..... jt. .. . ,1 XM II .HH I li^t.i > - I II., .,■■«»», . ■.
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 9$
Streets, where we have just begun to pave. From thence we went
about two miles to a place called Mrs. Master's White House, to a
dinner given by William Govitt, David Schaffer, William Hall,
George Bickham, Leonard Jacoby, and Israel Whelan, City War-
dens, for raising the shambles in Market Street, from Third to
Fourth Street. Present : Isaac Howell, John Gill, William Pollard,
and William Craig, four Magistrates; Hugh Roberts, carpenter, and
John Brooks, two County Commissioners ; Nathan Boys, Andrew
Geyer, John Purdon, William Richards, and Jacob Hiltzheimer,
five Street Commissioners ; Pearson, Bedford, and Madack, Regu-
lators, and a number of other reputable citizens.
August 7. — Began to plow in Seventh Street, near Walnut, and haul-
ing the earth to the sewer adjoining the Workhouse wall. Took
a ride with Peter Kraft to William Standley's place.
August p. — Lewis Weiss, Esq., had my servant girl brought from the
Workhouse, and asked her if she would go back to her master and
behave as she ought to do. She answered, " No," upon which he
ordered her back for another thirty days.
August II. — ^This afternoon went with Joseph Dobbins to Alexander
Wilcocks, Esq., and got him to' undertake to settle a dispute that is
between us.
August 12, — ^Forenoon went with Joseph Dobbins to Mr. Wilcock's
again, and he settled the dispute between us.
August 14:. — ^Went to the sewer near the Workhouse to see our
laborers ; from thence to the pavers in Dock Street, between Third
and Walnut Streets, and afterward went to the gravel pit, where
Wartman's and Miller's teams were hauling gravel.
August 16. — ^Attended the laborers in Seventh Street Went with
Messrs. Boys, Geyer, and Kra'ft to Pine Street, and fixed on the
spot where Morton is to lay the trunk in this street. It is about
midway between Fifth and Sixth Streets.
August 18, — In forenoon went to Dock Street, where the pavers are at
96 DIARY OF JACOB HILT^HBIlf ER.
work ; from thence went to the gravel pit, where four teams were
hauling gravel. In the evening went with my wife to the meadow;
at night met at the Court House.
August ip. — In the afternoon four of the Commissioners, Geyer, Boys,
Kraft, and myself, agreeable to appointment, met at the corner of
Ninth and Vine Streets, William Masters, Esq., and Mr. Jacob
Souder, two of the Regulators for the Northern Liberties, to confer
with them concerning a house a certain Jew, as we are informed, is
going to erect in the road on the north side of Vine Street, right
opposite Ninth Street The Regulators told us that the Jew had
applied to them to lay and stake out his lot ; they refused, and told
him they would not lay out a lot in the road for him or any other
person without orders from higher authority. Mr. Souder then
showed us a plan of the road and lots adjoining, by which plan we
saw that the road exactly leads in to Vine Street, facing Ninth
Street ; therefore, the road ought not to be obstructed in that place.
From thence we went down Vine Street, opposite Fifth Street,
where John Harrison had just been raising six houses, and dinner
being on table, we were invited to partake.
I August 21. — In the morning attended the plow and laborers in Fifth
Street and Pine Street Began to dig my cellar adjoining our pre-
sent kitchen.
August 22, — My son Thomas and daughter Kitty set out to their
Uncle Clayton's, in Chester County. In the morning and evening
attended the workmen in Pine and Fifth Streets, laying a trunk in
Pine Street
August 2j. — ^This morning Haffner, the bricklayer, began the
cellar wall, back of our wooden kitchen. In the evening gave my
wife a ride round by the banks of Schuylkill.
/ August 24.. — ^Attended the workmen in Eighth Street morning and
1 evening. Took a ride with my wife to William Standley's place.
\ My son Thomas and daughter Kitty returned home. Went with
Y Mr. Franck to the Workhouse, who there spoke to my servant maid
,m,m, * ^... fc , ; , >.. a-.^ . . ■..-■■■ ... . . , .
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 97
Rosina (being her countryman). She promised to behave better, J
upon which took her home, after paying £i 19s. 6d. for her lodging 1
and board for forty-eight days.
August 2^. — ^Attended with Peter Kraft the teams and laborers in
Eighth and Arch Streets.
August 2y, — ^Went with my wife to Germantown to Matthew Clark-
son's, and there spent the day.
August 20, — In the afternoon three of the Street Commissioners met
me at my house by appointment, when we went and viewed Minor
Street and agreed that it be plowed and the earth hauled to the
new arch, east of Fifth Street
September 2, — Forenoon met three of the Street Commissioners agree-
able to appointment : Boys, Geyer, and Purdon ; and two of the
Regulators, Pearson and ConoUy, at the drawbridge, in Front
Street, concerning the foot pavement being raised on the west side
of the street near the bridge.
September ^, — In the afternoon went to the burial of John Switzer, a
printer, from thence to church. After church went with A. Hert-
zog and Daniel Sutter to see P. Ozeas, who is sick.
September 5. — In the afternoon went with John Cornman to the burial
of Whitehead Humphreys, from his house in Seventh Street to the
Friends' graveyard in Arch street ; from thence I went to Carpen-
ters'^ Hall, and there met four of the members of the Society of
Agriculture.
September 8. — ^At night met the Street Commissioners at the Court
House, and from thence Guyer, Boys, Richards, and myself went
to Geiss's in Market Street and drank a bottle of Rheinish wine.
September p. — In the morning attended the laborers in South Street
near Front Street.
September 12. — Sent my boy Lapsley to Gravel Hill to bury our bitch, \
that died yesterday. She was a very remarkable dog, attending I
our cows day and night, in the stable as well as in the field. In |
' » ■! «"n '
»i j » * '■»■<■
98 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
the summer of 1779 she settled herself with my cattle at pasture,
and did not leave there for a long time. At last she would come
with the cows to the comer of Chestnut and Seventh Streets and
then go back and wait for them. Some time afterward, perhaps
eighteen months, she would come to the stable and go back with
the cows, which she has done ever since, except the month of May,
1782. She went with some cows I sold to Mr. Randle Mitchell
near Trenton, and there stayed till I ordered her brought down in
one of Mr. Hunt's shallops. We never could tell what she lived on
while she remained at the pasture. It was thought she sucked the
cows, but no one ever saw her do it, though often watched.
September /^. — In the afternobn met the Magistrates and Regulators
in Pear Street. Present : Fleeson, Howell, Wharton, Bedford, Mat-
lack, ConoUy, Wetherill, Boys, Richards, and myself, when it was
agreed that the street be lowered eighteen inches at the pump.
From thence four of us went out to see the troops exercise. Mr.
Howell and Captain Boys drank tea at my house.
September 15, — Part of the forenoon attended with Mr. Kraft in South
Street. Afterward went to Front Street, where Hoffner's man was
preparing to repair the steps from Front to Water Street, near Arch
Street.
September 18, — Mounted my horse and went to see the several water
courses in Market and Fourth Streets ; the four receivers were full,
but it did not swell so as to reach the houses : the trunk across
Fourth Street, near South Street, is not large enough ; Eighth Street
still wants raising on each side of Arch Street before the water that
collects there can be drawn off.
September ig. — Dined with General Mifflin at his house in Race
Street Mrs. Mifflin concluded to move to their house in Market
Street above Seventh. Forenoon attended plowing in Minor Street.
September 20, — ^Attended the sale of city lots at the Coflee House, at
twelve o'clock. Andrew Geyer and I attended the laborers and
teams in Seventh and Spruce Streets.
^%.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
99
September 21, — Attended the plowing of Seventh Street between Wal-
nut and Spruce Streets, and in the evening took a ride with my wife
to William Standley's place. Our horse went very lame.
September 24.. — In the forenoon went to church in Race Street In
the afternoon went with Mr. William Standley to St Paul's Church,
on Third Street, to hear the Rev. Mr. Pilmore preach. He has an
excellent delivery, and speaks with a smile on his countenance ; in
the evening we heard him again. ^His text was Isaiah, chapter Ix,
I V.
September ^5. — ^Attended the teams and laborers in Seventh and
Spruce Streets, and in the afternoon went on horseback to Mr.
Standley's place at Point. Sold my servant-maid, Rosina Schaeifer,
to August Will for ;f 20, and signed her over to him before Justice
Farmer,
September 2g, — ^Attended the public works as yesterday. Took dinner
to my people at the meadow with my wife ; at night met at the
Court House.
September J9. — ^Attended the workmen part of the day. Had Messrs.
Pearson, Bedford, and ConoUy to lay out for General Mifflin, Daniel
Rundle, Franks, Lardner, and myself the several lots in Chestnut
Street lately bought of the State.
October 2. — Forenoon, attended the laborers in Seventh and Spruce
Streets ; afternoon, met the Vestry at our school-house and from
thence went to McCutcheon's tavern to meet the Street Commis-
sioners.
October J, — In the morning attend in Seyfred's Ally, where our labor-
ers are preparing the ground for paving. At night went to the
Court House; Abraham Hunt, walked with me from my house to
the Indian King, where he lodges.
October -^.—Forenoon attended with Messrs Kraft, and Greyer in Vine
Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets, regulating the water
courses.
f
>
H^
y^
^» ■• ^
lOO
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
October 5. — ^Went to the State House; there attended as a struck jury-
man on a cause between Thomas Green Pollard, pTainti^, and
Samuel Garrigues, defendant, until ten o'clock at night. Took Mr.
Edward Duffidd home with me, who was one of the Judges.
October 6, — ^After break&st Mr. Duffield and I went from my house
again to the State House and joined our ten colleagues on the same
cause, and here follows their names : Philip Price, John Vandever,
John Swift, Nathan Levering, John Ferree, Noah Townsend, Benja-
min Cotman, George Bringhurst, Evan Thomas, and Edward Heston,
all of them from the county except myself. Counsel for the plaintiff
were James Wilson, Alexander Wilcocks, and William Bradford ;
on the other side John Cox, William Lewis, Rawle, and IngersolL
These gentlemen kept us from ten o'clock in the morning until ten
at night, notwithstanding the Hon. Judge McKean limited them to
forty-five minutes each to speak, but I wished that he had limited
the number of speakers on each side likewise, for one on each side
would have been enough. We went to the tavern opposite the
State House and there stayed.
October 7. — ^We agreed on our verdict, which was one moiety of the
land possessed by Samuel Garrigues, the defendant, to Thomas
Green Pollard, the plaintiff.
October p. — In the afternoon went with my wife to William Hen-
derson's place, late Joseph Woods's, but now belonging to the
estate of General John Cadwalader. In the evening met the Street
Commission at Nathan Boys's.
October 10. — Forenoon, the Street Commissioners met at my house,
where we settled our yearly accounts. In the afternoon went to
the meadows with my wife and found that they are again over-
flowed.
October //. — This morning about two o'clock a number of gentlemen
came to my door and informed me that I was elected one of the
Representatives for the City of Philadelphia. In the afternoon
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. lOI
went with Colonel Timothy Pickering in my chair to show him the
meadows below the city.
October 14^ — ^This afternoon went over Schuylkill to Isaac Warner's
fish-house and dined with about forty gentlemen : Richard Penn,
Robert Morris, Gouverneur Morris, Samuel Morris, Tench Francis,
Arthur St Clair, F. Johnson, Captain Barry, James Craig, Theodore
Forrest, William Hall, John Baker, Samuel Nicholas, William Gray,
Joseph Ogden, Senior and Junior, Robert Roberts, Joseph Rake-
straw, Israel Whden, James White, John Patton, and a number of
others.
October 1$, — After breakfast set out with Mr. Hunt and my wife for
Trenton. Dined at Mr. McElroy's, at Bristol, and drank tea at
Mr. Hunt's at Trenton.
October 16. — After dinner left Trenton with my wife and arrived at
Peter Gordon's, Esq., Hopewell.
October 20, — In the afternoon went with Mr. Hunt, his wife, and my
wife in his light wagon to General Philemon Dickinson's ; there
drank tea with George Clymer, Esq., and wife, old Mrs. Lambert,
the Widow Dagworthy, two Mrs. Cadwaladers, Mrs. DeKue, and
the General's family. He was sick and could not appear.
October 21, — After breakfast left Mr. Hunt's, Trenton, dined at Bristol,
and arrived at my house in Philadelphia at sunset We crossed
Delaware ferry with Mr. and Mrs. Clymer, Miss Cadwalader, and
Miss Dickinson.
October 2j. — In the afternoon attended for the first time in the House
of Assembly, and only twenty-four members being present, we
adjourned to three o'clock to-morrow. Spent the evening with
General Mifflin at his house on the south side of Market Street
between Seventh and Eighth Streets. .
October 24^ — No quorum being present in the House, we adjourned
again to three o'clock to-morrow. In the evening I met twenty-
one members opposite the State House and had a consultation
concerning the business to come before the House.
I02 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
October 25, — ^There being no quorum, the House again adjourned to
three o'clock to-morrow. Spent the evening with General Mifflin,
his wife, and Captain Falkner and wife.
October 26, — ^Attended at the State House, and there being pi esent
just a quorum, the House elected General Thomas Mifflin their
Speaker again, Peter Z. Lloyd their Clerk, Jacob Shallus Assistant
Clerk, Nicholas Weaver, Sergeant-at-arms. General Muhlenberg,
one of the Executive Council, administered the oath to the Speaker,
who did the same to all the members, three several oaths, and every
member signed his name to each.
October 2J. — Forenoon the House met Messrs. Whitehill, D. Clymcr,
and myself waited on Council, agreeable to order, and informed
them that the House was ready to receive such business, as they
may have to lay before them. At night went with General Mifflin
and Matthew Clarkson to hear a Mr. Jones lecture upon agricul-
ture at the college.
October ji. — In the forenoon the House proceeded to select delegates
to Congress. Arthur St Clair, William Irvine, of Carlisle, Charles
Pettit, Samuel Meredith, and William Bingham were elected.
November /. — Forenoon attended as yesterday, when the House ap-
pointed Michael Billmeyer their printer of the minutes in the
Grerman language, and Hall & Sellers to print them in English.
November 2. — Forenoon attended as yesterday, and spent the after-
noon with General Mifflin. The House elected Thomas Bradford
their printer of the laws and bills for consideration.
November 3, — ^Forenoon attended at the Assembly, where fifty mem-
bers met and went to business. Spent the evening with the Street
Commissioners at the Court House, where Isaac Howell, Esq.,
administered the oath to Samuel McLane, who is to serve for the
remainder of my term — ^to October next
November 4. — In the afternoon met the Assembly in their room, where
the Executive Council attended and proceeded, with the members
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMBR. IO3
of Assembly, to the election of President and Vice-President Ben-
jamin Franklin was unanimously re-elected President, and Charles
Biddle re-elected Vice-President. He had thirty-six votes and
Peter Muhlenberg thirty-three votes. After the election every
member of Council and Assembly certified the election by signing
their names each to a seal on a piece of parchment. We then
walked in procession to the Court House steps, proclaimed the
officers just elected, and then returned to the State House. David
Rittenhouse was unanimously re-elected State Treasurer. Went
with my wife to Gravel Hill, and there met Peter Trexler, Esq., and
other gentlemen.
November 6, — Forenoon went to General Mifflin's at the Falls. He
and Dr. William Smith and his son William came, after I arrived,
from over Schuylkill. I remained to dinner, after which the Gene-
ral came to town with me in my chair. At three o'clock attended
the House, and spent the evening, with fourteen members of
Assembly, opposite the State House.
November 7. — In the morning attended at the State House, went into
the committee room with Messrs. George Clymer,WhitehiIl, Findlay,
and Richard Willing, to agree on the report we are to make to the
House on the petition referred to us from the non-resident land-
holders of the counties of Bedford, Northumberland, and West-
moreland. We agreed that the owners have leave to appeal until
the middle of- April next, and that the sale of the lands be put off
until the ist of June following. The House elected Timothy Pick-
ering Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds for the county of
Luzerne ; the office of Prothonotary for the county he lately re-
ceived from the Executive Council. In the evening met at Car-
penters' Hall the Society of Agriculture, where Mr. John Sellers
produced a model of a bridge that is to be erected over the Schuyl-
kill, and will cost ^^2 5,000. At the same time was exhibited a drill
plow, just from England, that cost £\<) sterling, besides the
freight
-mmtmim^
IQ4 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMEK.
November 8. — ^Attended at the Assembly. John Coxe, Esq., was
appointed the law officer, whose duty is to attend the committees
of the House, to draw laws and bills for them, for which service the
House will allow him, at the last session at the end of the year, a
reasonable compensation. In the afternoon went with my wife to
William Jones's meadow.
November lo. — ^Attended the House, where, on the second reading of
the report from the committee on the petition of non-resident land-
holders, as mentioned in this journal on the 7th instant, Mr. White-
hill moved for an amendment to said report, which occasioned a
long and smart debate for and against the amendment. The speak-
ers were : Robert Morris, Thomas Fitzsimmons, Daniel Clymer
Whitehill, and Findlay. The amendment was lost.
November ij. — In the afternoon the House met, two new members,
Mr. Brackenridge and another, being qualified, petitions and reports
read ; no other business before the House, it adjourned. In the
evening met eight of the members at the tavern opposite the State
House.
November 16, — Forenoon attended at the State House until the mem-
bers' names were called and the minutes of yesterday read, then went
with Joseph Rakestraw five miles up Schuylkill, to John Vandever's,
who is, as observed by his friends, a little out of his mind. We
dined with him ; then he, Mr. Howell, a surveyor ; John Barry,
Joseph Rakestraw, and myself went and viewed the new projected
road over Roxborough Hill, in compliance with an order of Court of
General Quarter Session, bearing date 20th of September last, but
for want of the other three gentlemen, William Macpherson, Robert
Morris (Miller), and Isaac Worrall, named in the order of Court, we
could not make a report, as the order requests us to.
November ij, — Forenoon attended at the State House. The report
was read again about removing the seat of justice to Harrisburgh,
but was determined to remain where it is.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMEIL 10$
November i8. — In the forenoon attended at the Assembly, at which
time the petition of Gunning Bedford and others was read, praying
to be allowed the balance of their accounts due to them for erect-
ing the triumphal arch in Market Street in 1784. It appears by
the journals of the House that ;f 1600 was voted for that purpose,
but the managers exceeded that sum, which occasioned a great de-
bate for and against the allowing any sum above the limited sum.
The speakers in favor of the petitioners were Robert Morris,
George Clymer, Thomas Fitzsimmons, and George Logan ; against,
Messrs Brackenridge, Whitehill, and Findlay.
November /p. — Snow last night. Being unwell, I remained in the
house all day.
November 20. — In the afternoon attended at the State House ; after-
ward went with William Will and George Logan, as a committee,
to Captain Stiles's, concerning the powder-house, of which Stiles is
the officer.
November 21. — Forenoon attended as usual in the Assembly Room.
The order of the day was called concerning the report of a com-
mittee which was to bring in a bill to alter or correct an error in
that part of the law that affects the Court of Admiralty, of
which the Judge of Admiralty, Francis Hopkinson, complains,
setting forth that it must have been altered by an unauthorized
person, as the words in the late volume do not agree with the
original in the rolls office, and thereby make the presence of the
Judge of Admiralty in the Court unnecessary, but agreeable
to the original it could not be held without that officer. This
occasioned a long debate between Messrs. Brackenridge and Daniel
Clymer, and finally the report was committed to Messrs. Thomas
Fitzsimmons, H. Brackenridge, and Daniel Clymer.
November 22. — Forenoon attended at the State House. The bill for
suspension of sales of lands for taxes i^ext month, as advertised,
until the ist day of June next, occasioned some debate concerning
the expense that will attend the five dajrs' appeal in April next It
8
I06 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIIfE^.
was determined that the expense should be paid by the non-resident
landholders, for whose use the said appeal is ordered. The bill was
enacted into a law.
November 23, — Forenoon attended at the State House, at which time
the report had a second reading concerning Rutter & Ingize's ac-
count of £\\2 for making the State arms over the seat of justice
in the State House. The speakers for allowing the bill were —
Messrs. Fitzsimmons and Daniel Clymer ; against it, Messrs White-
hill, Brackenridge, and Findlay. Was determined it could not be
allowed by the House. Dined at General Mifflin's with the follow-
ing gentlemen : James Hockley and George Ross, Esq. ; Richard
Peters, Mr. Beard, and two strangers.
November 2^ — General Mifflin, Speaker of the House, and Messrs.
Ross and Hockley break&sted with me, after which we went to the
State House together. The several gendemen, Messrs. George
Clymer, Fitzsimmons, and William Robeson, on the one side,
Messrs. Whitehill, Findlay, and Brackenridge on the other, debated
concerning the division of Bedford County, and to have the
seat of justice for the new part fixed at the crossing of Juniata.
Afternoon took a ride with Norton Pryor to the meadows.
November 25, — Forenoon attended at the State House, but very little
business coming before the House, it adjourned before eleven
o'clock. In the afternoon took a ride with Townsend Whelen,
Esq., to my lot to look at my large cow and steer.
November 26. — Forenoon went to church, after which had to dine with
me the following gentlemen : Israel Whelen and his brother Towns-
end, and Daniel Clymer.
November 2j. — In the afternoon attended at the State House. In the
evening met seven of the members of Assembly at the tavern
opposite the State House, where we conversed about the new road
to be laid out from the Schuylkill to the westward, and which way
the money is to be raised to make it a turnpike. The bridge over
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. ID/
Schuylkill, and the most suitable place for it, was likewise a subject
of conversation.
November 28, — Forenoon attended at the State House. At ten
o'clock the House set out, two and two, to the House of Mr. Helm,
in Race Street near Second, the lodgings of the late Samuel Atlee,
Esq., a member for Lancaster County, who died suddenly, last
Saturday, in the street, before he could reach his lodgings. The
funeral set out from Helm's house, up Race Street, down Third and
Arch Streets, then down Second Street to Christ Church, where the
services were held by the Rev. Mr. Andrews. The corpse was
then taken out of church again to the yard, and there buried.
The Executive Council likewise attended the funeral, with their
Vice-President, Charles Biddle, Esq, the President, Benjamin
Franklin, Esq., not being in health to attend.
November 2g. — ^Forenoon attended at the State House. Some debate
about the report on the Western Road, but the matter postponed
until this day week. In the afternoon met the vestrymen at the
Reformed Congregation schoolhouse, and there distributed £%2
2s. pd., which was contributed last Sunday for the poor of the con-
l^regation.
December i. — Forenoon attended at the State House, where a debate
ensued concerning the receiving certificates equal to specie in pay-
ment of debts due to this State for lands, before a certain day in
1776. The speakers for receiving the certificates were Mr. White-
hill and Mr. Findlay, against receiving them, Messrs. Robert Mor-
ris, George Clymer, Thomas Fitzsimmons, William Robeson, and
Mr. Hugh Brackenridge. On putting the question, it was deter-
mined that certificates are not to be received for that purpose.
December s> — Forenoon attended the State House, when came on the
order of the day concerning the reduction of the expenses of the
Government. The speakers on the subject were Messrs. Morris,
Fitzsimmons^ Daniel Clymer, George Clymer, Logan, Wynkoop,
Robeson, Brackenridge, Findlay, and Whitehill. Spent the evening
I08 DIARY OF JACOB ' HILTZHEIMER.
at the Court House with Messrs. N, Boys, Geyer, Ozeas, Pancake,
Richards, and McLane, Street Commissioners. Mr. E. Boys and
Mr. Latimer were also present
December 6. — Forenoon attended the Assembly. The order of the
day was brought forward, concerning the new road to be made from
the middle ferry on Schuylkill to Lancaster. All the speakers in
the House debated upon it for some time, and then the report was
recommitted. My son Robert and daughter Kitty went with
Rebecca Morris and A. Johnson in sleigh to General Mifflin's place
up the Schuylkill.
December 7. — Forenoon attended as usual ; another order of the day
came on concerning lands.
Decembers, — Forenoon attended the State House ; no debates. The
House adjourned at eleven o'clock. Dined at Mr. Israel Whelen's,
on Market Street, near Sixth, with the following gentlemen : Messrs.
Moore, Rawlston, Willing Evans, and Townsend Whelen, Chester
County members of the Assembly, y id S. Mor ris. William Govitt,
William Hall, Mark Wilcock, and Colonel J. Hannam.
December p. — Forenoon attended at the Assembly, when came up the
report concerning the contested election in Bedford County. The
dispute is, whether Mr. Powell or Mr. Cable be admitted as third
member for said county. Messrs. Whitehill, Findlay,and Piper spoke
in favor of Mr. Powell's admittance. Messrs. Fitzsimmons, George
Clymer, Daniel Clymer, Robeson, and Brackenridge were the speak-
ers on the other side, and their opinion is that " neither of the two
can be admitted, without more substantial proof than what was of-
fered." The House agreed that the speaker write to the officers of
the county for all the vouchers they may be able to collect, and to
forward them to this House by a certain day.
December //. — In forenoon went in sleigh with William Standley and
my son Robert to Standley's place at Point to look at our five part-
nership cattle. In the afternoon attended at the State House, when
a dispute happened between General Mifflin, Speaker, and Daniel
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHBIMER. IO9
Clymer, Esq., about Mr. William Findlay and Mr. Isaac Gray. They
both got up to speak at the same time. The Speaker said that Mr.
Findlay was first ; Mr. Clymer claimed that Mr. Gray was. After
a considerable altercation, it was determined that Mr. Findlay be
heard first by the Speaker. They spoke about actual, legal, and
continuate settlements of lands.
December 12, — In the forenoon attended, as yesterday. Several peti-
tions and reports were read. Likewise, some bills, among which
was a bill called for by Mr. Brackenridge, concerning the incorpo-
rating of a Presbyterian congregation at Pittsburgh. Mr. Bracken-
ridge moved to omit the words " Presbyterian congrregation/' and in
their place insert the words " religious society of Christians." This
occasioned a surprise among some of the members, and some debate
ensued, but, nevertheless, the last-mentioned words took place.
Mrs. Matthew Clarkson spent the afternoon at our house, and after
tea Mr. Hunt, my son Robert, and myself took Mrs. Clarkson home
in sleigh.
December ij. — ^Attended at the State House forenoon and afternoon.
The report was read, recommending that a bill be brought in to
restore the charter of the bank, with provisions of limiting its
time and capital. * A debate ensued. The speakers in favor of the
bank were Messrs. Robert Morris, Fitzsimmons, George and
Daniel Clymer ; against it, Mr. Findlay and Mr. Whitehill. Mr.
Brackenridge argued diflferent from either side ; he contended that
the charter the Assembly first granted the stockholders of the bank
was still in.force, and that no succeeding House had a right to take
it away without a trial by court and jury. Therefore he insisted
that the present House ought to put the stockholders of the bank
in possession again of every privilege their first charter gave them.
The yeas and nays being called, the report was adopted. I must
confess that Mr. Brackenridge's argument exactly agreed with my
ideas, which will appear by my vote on the journals of the House
of this day. Mr. Matthew Qarkson came from the St^te House
no DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIIfER.
with me to my house ; afterward my son William took him home
in sleigh.
December 14.. — Forenoon attended at the House of Assembly. This
afternoon Mr. Stonebumer and his son-in-law, William Rush, like-
wise P. Burchhalter and P. Trexler, Esqrs., came to see me. I ob-
served the bricklayers at work running up the gable ends of the
house, Mr. Robert Morris is building at the comer of Minor and
Sixth Streets, notwithstanding the uncommon severity of the season.
December 77. — Forenoon went to church. In the afternoon Townsend
Whelen and Richard Thomas, Esqrs. spent the afternoon with me.
December 18. — In the afternoon attended at the State House, when Mr.
Barclay, from Bedford County, was examined by General Mifflin,
Speaker of the House, concerning the late contested election in
that county. From thence I went to Mr. A. Kintzing's to see my
wife home.
December /p. — Forenoon went to the Assembly as usual, but the
Speaker being very sick, could not attend, and the House adjourned
to the morrow.
December 20. — Forenoon attended the House. The Speaker not being
able to attqpd, the House adjourned without transacting any busi-
ness. Went to Gravel H ill in my sleigh with Townsend Whelen, Esq.,
and my son William. Had to dine with me the following gentle-
men : William Findlay, Esq., Gerardus Wynkoop, Esq., Townsend
Whelen, Esq., Matthew Clarkson, and Captain N. Falkner.
December 21. — Forenoon attended at the State House. The Speaker
being not well enough to attend, the House adjourned. Went with
my wife and daughters Mary and Hannah to Mr. Standley's place,
at Point, in sleigh with a pair of chestnut horses.
December 22. — Forenoon attended at the State House. General Mifflin
still not well enough to attend. The resignation he sent by me to
the House yesterday was read to-day and accepted, whereupon the
House proceeded to the election of another Speaker. Gerardus
Hi In
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
Ill
Wynkoop, Esq., was elected ; be received forty-five votes. Daniel
Cl)nner, Esq., escorted the new Speaker to the chair, after which
Mr. Evans, a member of Council for Chester County, administered
the oath, and then the House proceeded to business. In the after*
noon the House met again. The bill for holding an election in the
county of Luzerne, was enacted into a law. The election is to be
the first day of February next
December 23. — Forenoon attended at the Assembly as usual. The bill
was read the second time and debated by paragraphs locating the
seat of justice at Hannas Town, in the county of Westmoreland.
Dined at Matthew Clarkson's with William Findlay, Robert Rawlston,
Esqrs., Messrs. Jennings, John Wharton, and Mr. Clarkson's two
sons-in-Law, Bringhur^t and Rawlston.
December 25. — Christmas day, clear and cold. Forenoon went to
church in Race Street. My wife and I dined at General Mifilin's
with his family, and the Hon. Gerardus Wynkoop, Capt. N. Falkner
and wife. My son William brought Capt. Falkner and wife to the
General's in a sleigh and took them home.
December 26, — Forenoon went with General Mifflin to the State House.
About noon the Hon. Gerardus Wynkoop resigned his office as
Speaker, after which General Mifflin was again elected by ballot, and
then was escorted to the chair by the ex-Speaker. It was then moved
by some members, that the new Speaker be again qualified, although
he has been out of office only since Friday last This occasioned
much debate, but at last it terminated in his not taking it
December 28. — ^Attended at the State House. The bill concerning the
bank had a second reading, and was debated by paragraphs, which
lasted till 9 o'clock at night; it was finally carried that the Stock*
holders of the Bank be furnished with a charter.
December 2g. — ^Attended at the State House. The bill was read a
second time and debated by paragraphs, laying a duty on particular
articles manufactured in foreign countries and imported into this
State, which took up almost the whole day. In the evening met
^itaui.. i-J>Jv*
iJ. . ' U. .^^.J '
112
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
>
\
4
}
i
thirteen members of the Assembly at the tavern opposite the State
House, and there fixed on the seven Commissioners that are to be
appointed to meet the Commissioners from other States at Philadel-
phia, in May next.
December JO. — In the forenoon attended at the State House as usual,
when came on the election of the following gentlemen : Thomas
Mifflin, Robert Morris, Jared Ingersoll, George Cljmtier, Thomas
Fitzsimmons, James Wilson, and Governor Morris, to meet the
Commissioners above mentioned, to revise the Federal Constitution.
At the same time the bill was agreed to, which lays a duty .of six
pence on a bushel of salt and one penny on a pound of coffee. In
the afternoon attended again at the Assembly room. The contested
election of Bedford County was called up again, which occasioned
a long debate. The conclusion arrived at was that the Speaker
write letters to the officers of the County concerned in the election,
and send them by a special messenger. I reported to the House
that the committee, Mr. Lilly, Mr. Findlay, and myself, had afiixed
the seal to certain laws. After which the House adjourned until
the third Tuesday in February next. Then the orders were
signed and handed to each member by the Speaker, for their pay ;
my order is for 69 days at 15 shillings.
December 31, — Forenoon went to church. James Hockley and Town-
send Whelen dined with me.
1787.
January /. — Forenoon went to church; in the afternoon met the
vestry and settled the quarterly accounts. From thence went to
the Widow Mathews's, in Market Street, and met fourteen of the
members belonging to the Amicable Fire Company.
I January 2, — Forenoon my son William and I went with General
\ Mifflin from my house to his, and there we signed our names to two
1 deeds as witnesses, which the General, his wife, and the two Miss
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHSIMER. II3
Morris's conveyed to each other. In the evening went with
Leonard Stonebumer to Carpenters' Hall, and there met about
twenty-four members of the Society of Agriculture. General
Mifflin wrote some instructions concerning the late Bedford dec- \
tion, agreeable to resolve of the House last Saturday, and sent off
Mr. John White with the same.
January j. — My son Thomas came from Trenton, upon the Delaware,
on the ice. In the afternoon took a walk up Second Street, near
Vine, to Mr. John Baker's, and coming back, I stopped at Colonel
Miles's and Colonel Morgan's store.
January 5. — ^The ice on the Delaware is so much reduced, that about
twenty sail of vessels came up to the city this day. I am very
unwell.
January 6. — Doctor Kuhn came to see me and ordered me bled, which
was performed by Rudolph Nagel. In the afternoon Mr. John
Baker came here, and we settled Mr. Von Phul's book, as treasurer
to our congregation.
January 8. — Dr. Kuhn came to see me, and General Mifflin called at
the same time, and so did Mr. Bernard. At night I got very bad,
but in less than an hour got better.
January p. — Dr. Kuhn paid me a visit I am now in a good way.
January ij, — ^Took a walk as far as General Mifflin's, and afterwards
to Mr. Barges.
January 14^ — Went with General Mifflin on horseback to his place at
the Falls of Schuylkill. Mrs. Mifflin and the two little girls went
in their carriage.
January 18 — In the afternoon I was overset by a cow, running sud-
denly out of my yard with a dog after her, and was much bruised
thereby.
January 20 — In the forenoon went to Mr. George Clymer's in Fourth
Street south of Walnut Street, concerning the nine tons and upward
of hay, he mentioned to my wife yesterday, which I stand charged
wmnf^m^mmmm^r
i
114 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
with in the late Reese Meredith's book, August 1 1, 1777. I do not
recollect anything of it. In the afternoon took a ride in search of
one Michael Lut2, who it seems was tenant on Mr. Meredith's place
at the time the hay was had.
January 22. — Mr. George Nelson came to see us and we looked
amongst the public accounts to find whether we had any hay of the
late Mr. Reese Meredith, in the year 1777, and found that we had
for public use, six loads in July, 1777. Mr. Nelson stayed to dinner
after which I went to meet the Vestry at the German Reformed
schoolhouse.
January 26. — I spent the evening yesterday at Capt. Nathan Boys's, in
Front Street below the Bridge, with Andrew Geyer, Mr. Pancake,
Peter Ozeas, Samuel McLane, William Richards, Street Commis*
sioners, John Purdon, Peter Kraft, Michael Hartman, Alexander
Miller, and George Honey.
January 27. — ^Took a walk down to Market Street Wharf, and coming
home stopped and drank tea at Mr. Barges, and when I came home,
Mr. John White was at my house, just returned from Bedford
County with three boxes of tickets concerning the late contested
election in said County.
February /. — Forenoon went to George Clymer, Esq., and showed him
the letter from William Simmons, at New York, which certifies that
the money had been paid to Mr. Clymer, for hay the public had of
the late Mr. Meredith, his father-in-law, in August 1777, and the
money paid in September, 1778.
February 4., — Forenoon went to church on Race Street. Last night
Greneral Mifflin sent his coachman down from his farm near Read-
ing, with a sleigh, and this morning he returned with Miss Rebecca
Morris and Emily Johnson.
February 6, — To-night went with Matthew Clarkson from my house
to the Society of Agriculture at Carpenters* Hall.
February 7. — Mr. Hunt's negro Tom came here with a wagon and two
■^'^^ ***' *' * ' '" "* ■"■ .^•^ * ~m^.... ,,^ I. , ^ .,m»tw i < •*• ' » w II p rftt) ,1 a^ i . iifii >M^)a, », gi^i|^ t , t m ' i m ^^^^mtfmmff^^
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMBR. II5
horses ; went away after breakiaist to take a load of goods out of his
master's shallop, which cannot get up on account of the ice in the
Delaware.
February p. — My daughter Kitty went in a sleigh to Abington with
Eda Lukin. Forenoon went in my sleigh with Mr. William Standley
my son Robert and daughter Hannah to Mr. Standley's place at
Point
February 10, — ^Col. J. Wadsworth break&sted with us and in the
afternoon Mrs. Matthew Clarkson, my wife and I went in my sleigh
to Mr. Edward Duffield's; overtook Mrs. Duffield and her son
Edward four miles from town ; took her in with us, one of her horses
being lame. *
February 11. — ^About 12 o'clock it began to rain, which made us leave
Mr. Duffield's. Put *down Mrs. Clarkson at her house in Arch
Street, and wife and self reached our home at half-past one, just one
hour and a half going- thirteen miles, and it rained the whole
way.
February ij. — ^Spent the afternoon at General Mif&in's on Market
Street, with himself, Mr. Samuel Potts, and Colonel Mentges.
February 14.. — After breakfast went with General Mifflin to his place
at the Falls, on horseback; Mrs. Mifflin, and Sarah Morris in
their chariot After dinner I came home.
February 16. — My son Thomas brought down from Mr. Hunt's a pair
of bay horses for Mr. Edward Tilghman.
February 17. — ^Went with General Mifflin to his place at the Falls, and
crossed the Schuylkill at Righter's, and went to look at the farm he
bought last sumqier, about a mile from tlie river. After dinner I
came home, and went to the burial of William Standley, Jr's., wife.
Walked with Baltus Cl)rmer.
February /p. — ^In the afternoon went to Mr. Josiah Hewes and got an
order from him to admit Simon Holler into the hospital to get his
^>
^--
■^r
Il6 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
leg treated, which is, and has been for some time past, very painful
to him.
February 20. — ^After dinner went to General Mifflin's, and from there
he and I called at Mr. Robert Morris's, and after taking a few glasses
of wine we went to the State House together.
February 21, — Forenoon attended at the State House, but there being
no quorum present, the House adjourned until to-morrow. In the
evening met Mr. Pollard, Jonathan Penrose, Esq., and Richard
Renshaw at the Rivers' Tavern, being referees appointed by the
Court to settle a partnership account between Abraham Kintzing
and Joseph Pemberton. Agreed to meet again at the same place on
Friday evening next
February 22, — ^Attended at the State House, but no business being
brought forward, the House adjourned till half past nine o'clock to-
morrow.
February 24.. — ^Attended at the Assembly Room in the forenoon. Mr.
Powell from Bedford County was qualified and admitted to his
seat. The reason of his not being admitted to his seat before, was
owing to the election being disputed, which dispute was not de-
cided until now. After the House adjourned, I went with the
Speaker, General Mifflin, to his place at the Falls, and after dinner
returned home.
February 25. — Colonel Wadsworth drank tea at my house, and in after-
noon I went to church.
February 26. — Colonel J. Wadsworth came to my house, and he and
I went and break&sted with General Mifflin. After that I went to
the State House to meet the committee concerning the Rev. Mr.
Marshall's memorial praying to repeal a certain law passed in
September last. In the afternoon met the House; from thence I
went to Mr. Jacob Barge's to attend my wife and Mrs. Dunlap.
February 27. — ^Forenoon attended at the State House, and the order
DIART OP JACOB HILTZHSIMER. II7
of the day was called, which was to improve the four following
roads : from Philadelphia to Lancaster, fr6m Philadelphia to Read-
ing, from Philadelphia to Allentown, from Newman's Creek, through
Philadelphia to Ferry over Delaware, in Bucks County. The
Speaker put the question whether these roads shall be made and
kept in repair at the charge of the State at large. Yeas and nays
being taken, 29 for it and 36 against it, when the report fell.
February 28. — Forenoon attended at the State House. The bill im-
posing a duty on salt and coffee was read. The first paragraph,
which mentions six pence a bushel on salt, was for a long time de-
bated by Messrs. Morris, Fitzsimmons, G. Clyoier, and Mr.
Brackenridge ; against it, Mr. Logan, Mr. Whitehill and Mr. Findlay.
The question being put, was lost, and of course the bill failed.
Affixed the seal to four laws.
March i. — ^Forenoon attended the Assembly. Dined at General
Mifflin's, with the following gentlemen : Colonel J. Wadsworth,
Colonel Pickering, Hugh H. Brackenridge, Richard Willing and
Samuel Wheeler, Esqs, and Mr. Joseph Harrison.
March 2. — ^After dinner took a ride to Gravel Hill ; afterwards went with
my wife, Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap, and John Mease, to John Everhart's
slaughter house in Eighth street, to see the beef of our cow killed
yesterday. At four o'clock went to the State House, and there met
the committee apppinted by the House on the memorial of the
minister, elders, trustees and others of Scot's Presbyterian Church
of Philadelphia, praying the House to repeal or suspend a law
passed in September last. The committee that met numbered
fifteen members, two only absent We heard both parties, and
agreed, 13 against 2, that the law ought not to be repealed or
suspended.
March J, — ^This momiiig at three o'clock, J. Hiltzheimer and Timothy
Matlack weighed the cow killed by Mr. Everhart, which Hiltzheimer
raised and fed :
- f *'**•,•
Il8 DIART OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
Pounds,
The fore qaarters weighed, ... 326
654
The hind quarters 282
289
571
The neat beef, 1225
The hide, lii
The head and heart, 49
The belly and foet, 72
Feck 35
Tallow, 163
Entrails not weighed
430
The whole weight exclusive of the entrails, 1655
The rump 77
The above weights were taken by me, T. Matlacr.
March 5. — In the afternoon attended at the State House. The bill
had a third reading concerning the German College that is to be
erected at Lancaster.
March 6. — ^Forenoon attended at the State House. The order of the
day was on the laying out of a town opposite Pittsburgh.
March 7. — In the afternoon took a walk with General Mifflin
to Mr. Habacher's and Captain Falkner's; from thence went
to the State House ; there met the committee on the same business
as on 2d inst, and again agreed/ as on that day, twelve against the
law being repealed, and only two for suspending it, which two were
Messrs. Wheeler and Mawhorter.
March 8. — Forenoon attended as usual at the State House. The
order of the day was concerning a dispute between our Western
inhabitants and the Spaniards about trading down their river, as
they call it. Mr. Brackenridge spoke long upon it; finally
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHSIlfBRl II9
the report was postponed. Mr. Lilly and I affixed the seal to
five laws.
March JO. — In the forenoon attended at the State House. The House
got through with the bill they left unfinished yesterday. Mr.
Lilly and I affixed the seal to five more Iaws» among which was one
co-operating with the State of Massachusetts Bay, agreeable to the
articles of confederation, in apprehending the proclaimed rebels,
Daniel Shay, Luke Day, Adam Wheeler, and Eli Parsons.
March 12. — ^Afternoon attended the State House, and after the House
adjourned about fourteen of us spent the evening at the tavern
opposite.
March jj. — Forenoon attended at the State House. The report was
read for receiving three-fourths in certificates, and one-fourth of the
money made in 178 1 — ^money due for land before the year 1776.
The question was put, shall the report be adopted, and it was
adopted.
March //. — ^Forenoon, attended at the State House. Mr. Lilly and I
affixed the seal to three laws, among them was the laying out a
road through this State, from the waters of the Potomac, to the
Ohio. In the afternoon, took a ride on horseback. My son Robert
returned from James Hockley's, being sent yesterday by several
members of the Assembly, begging Mr. Hockley to come down to
the House, as the incorporation of the bank is to come up to-
morrow.
March 16. — Forenoon, attended at the Assembly. The order of the
day was the bill to revive the incorporation of the bank. Two
blanks were filled up in the bill; the first, with fourteen years in
the room of an unlimited time ; the second, was ^2,000,000, in
place of {10,000,000. The number of members for passing this
bill were 35, and against its passing, 31. In the afternoon took a
ride with my wife in chair down to the meadows, afterwards went
with Mn Fitzsimmons, Mr. A. Hunt, and his son Pearson, to Eber-
ftt^im^ii'i'^'i'^mmmmimmimammmmimfmmm^mmmittmimi^
1 20 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIlffBIL
hart's slaughter house in Eighth street, to look at my large steer,
Ned, that was killed yesterday.
5/. Patricias Day, in the fftondng. Jacob Hiltzheimer and Timothy
Matlack, weighed the great steer killed by Mr. Eberhart (five years
old):
Fmnds,
Fore quarters 406
" 399 .
805
Hind quarters 284
276
560
Neat beef, 1365
Hide, 156
TaUow 83
Head and heart, 63 ji
Feet, 34
Belly, 36
Feck 33>< 406
Whole weight exclusive of entrails, 177 1
Height on the rump, 18 hands wanting only 4 inches.
" on the shoulder 17 hands ifi inches
Ftit. Inckis
In girth round the body dose to the forelegs, .... 8 4
at the navel 8 7
across the hips in a straight line, 2 4
In length from the nose to the end of the tail, .... 16 10
** *' from the forehead to rump 9 5
Head, 2 ^U
Weighed and measured in presence of
Timothy Matlack.
Marmaduke Cooper's steer, also 5 years old, slaughtered on the
same day, measured by Mr. Cooper, was 17 hands and I inch high
on the shoulder and 00 feet 00 inches round the girth behind the
forelegs.
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 121
Pounds,
Fore quarters 380
378 758
«< •<
Hind quaiters 263
263 525
«• i«
Neat beef. 1283
Hide, ISO
TaUow, 102
Head and heart, 64}^
Feet, 34
Belly 27
Feck 33 4io}i
Whole weight exduave of the entrails, 1693)^
Mr. Cooper's steer was uncommonly high before and low and light made
behind.
Timothy Matlack.
The difference in length of these two cattle when hanging in the
boxes was only one inch — Mr. Hiltzheimer's was longest
The measurements of the cow were as follows : —
Hands, Ifukis,
In height on the rump, 15 3)^
on the bade orer the loins 15 2}(
on the shoulder, 15 1%
Feet. Inches,
In length from the nose to the tail extended, 15 2
from the nose to the ridge of the horns, ... 2 \%
from the forehead to the rump, 8 6
In girth round the body behind the fordegs, . . ... 8 xyi
at the navel 9 0%
across the hips in a straight line, 2 6>(
From the ground to the dewlap, i 6
The same day we measured St. Patrick, a three-year old of the same
blood, 15 hands 3^ inches on the shoulder. He was unruly and we
could not measure him behind, without difficulty.
Timothy Matlack.
9
«• •«
If «<
•< «<
«« «<
•< ««
•ManM
122
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHBIlfER.
March ly, — ^Forenoon attended at the State House. Mr. Lilly and I
affixed the seal to the law that passed the House yesterday; I
mean the act to revive the incorporation of the bank of North
America, which has been a bone of contention these two years in
the House of Assembly, but it is now to be hoped that the minds
of the people will be quiet for the term of fourteen years.
March 20, — In the forenoon attended at the State House. The bill
for establishing a Court of Admiralty Session had its third reading
and ordered to be engrossed. The Episcopal Academy of Phila-
delphia and the Academy of Washington County had the second
reading and ordered to be transcribed and printed for public consid-
eration.
March 21, — Forenoon attended at the State House, when Mr. George
Clymer moved that the committee appointed a few days ago to
bring in a bill to move the seat of government to Harrisburgbe dis-
charged, and they were discharged.
March 22. — Forenoon attended the Assembly. Several congregations
were incorporated, and the bill had a third reading and ordered to
be engrossed which gives John Fitch an exclusive right for four-
teen years to make and vend steamboats.
March 2j. — Forenoon attended at the State House. The bill was
brought forward for receiving funded certificates for the arrearages
due on lands before the Declaration of Independence, which was
postponed until to-morrow.
March 24., — Forenoon attended as usual. The House elected as Dele-
gate to Congress General John Armstrong, in the place of
Charles Pettit, Esq., whose term expires next month. The bill
passed the House which was before the House yesterday.
March 26, — In the afternoon attended at the State House. Several
bills had a second reading, and one a third reading, which was to
give Oliver Evans an exclusive right for fourteen years of making
and vending machines to convey flour from the lower to the upper
floor in mills.
DIART OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 123
March 28. — ^To day the House finished with the bill confirming to certain
persons called Connecticut claimants the lands within the County
of Luzerne. The House appointed the following gentlemen Com-
missioners for the purpose : General Peter Muhlenberg, Timothy
Pickering, and Joseph Montgomery, at 20 shillings per day each.
The Honorable Benjamin Franklin was added to the seven mem-
bers elected 30th of December last to sit in the Federal Conven-
tion to be held in this city in May next, as the law will show that
was enacted this day in his favor., Dined with General Mifflin and
so did Captain N. Falkner ; in the afternoon attended again at the
Assembly.
March 2p. — Forenoon attended at the State House and made a report
that Mr. Lilly and I, being two of the committee appointed to aflfix
the seal to such laws as might pass this session, had aflSxed
the seal to thirty-nine. Received from the Speaker my order
for thirty-eight days' pay, being £28 los. The House adjourned
to the first Tuesday in September next.
March jo. — Forenoon went with Townsend Whden, Esq., and drank
punch with William Will, Esq., son-in-Law to Mr. Metzger, who
has married Will's daughter.
March j/. — Forenoon attended my people hauling earth out of my
lot in Chestnut Street near Seventh. In the afternoon went to Mr.
Samuel Nichols's, Sign of the Waggon, and there met John Lowne,
and William Gray, referees appointed by the Court to settle a dis-
pute about a quantity of hay between James Tulman and Aaron
Middleton. Tulman's account says nine tons and Middleton's
account says seven tons fourteen hundred. Middleton produced
vouchers in support of his account, Mr. Tulman did not There-
fore we, the referees, gave in our verdict that the plaintiff Mr. Tul-
man, hath no cause of action.
April I. — Before break&st went to Gravel Hill with two of my
daughters. Forenoon went to church, and in the afternoon Tim-
124 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
othy Madack came to see me concerning the settlement between
A. Kintzing and Joseph Pemberton.
April 2. — ^Before break&st went with two of my daughters in chair to
the upper end of the town ; there looked at some red cedar posts
that came down the Delaware and were for sale.
Aprils* — ^Went with Edward Shippen, Esq.,andpaid him £2^, one year's
rent, for Mr. Tilghman's lot, due the 14th of March last In the
afternoon went with my wife to Mr. Standley's place up the Ridge
Road. Frederick Paul finished the garden fence to my lot in
Chestnut Street a little west of Seventh Street
April 7. — Before breakfast went with two of my daughters to Gravel
Hill ; in the afternoon took a ride with my wife around by the
banks of Schuylkill, below the city.
April p, Easter Monday, — Forenoon went to church. The Hon. Samuel
Meredith break&sted with me.
April 10, — Forenoon went with Mr. William Standley in my phaeton
and pair of sorrel horses to his place on Ridge Road ; in the after-
noon took a ride with my wife to William Jones's meadow and
brought home an elder bush and planted it in our garden.
April II. — Before breakfast went with two of my daughters to Samuel
Meredith's place, two miles from town, and dug up several roots and
planted them in our garden in Chestnut Street In afternoon went
with my wife to Jonathan Roberts's.
April 12. — ^Forenoon went to Mr. Adgates' concert in the Reformed
church in Race Street.
April I J. — I went down to the meadow on horseback ; in the afternoon
took a ride with my wife ; in the forenoon she went with Mr. Ber-
nard and my son Robert to look at George Gray's garden, at his
ferry on Schuylkill.
April i^. — Forenoon went to church and after church went with
General Mifflin to his place at the Falls and there dined, and so did
Joseph and Matthew Hasserow, likewise a young English gentleman.
\*
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHBIMBR. 12$
April ig. — ^After breakfast set out with my gray horse CamtUus and
chair toward Trenton ; at Pennypack bridge met four of the Street
Commissioners, Boys, Geyer, Ozias, and Pancake, who were making
a contract for a large quantity of building stone, 6 shillings a perch,
to continue the common sewer this season in Fourth Street, begin-
ning about 1 50 feet south of Market Street They concluded to go
with me to Trenton, so we sat out and dined at McElroy's, at
Bristol. There I was informed by Mr. Bernard that Mr. Hunt and
my son Thomas had gone to Philadelphia, upon which we all turned
back.
April 20. — In the afternoon fire broke out at the steel furnace in Eighth
Street, consumed the same, with the house, kitchen, and stables of
the Widow Russ.
April 2S> — After break£ist Jacob Bai^e and I went about the city to
ask such gentlemen as have money due them from John Baker,
Treasurer, for serving on juries, to give the same to the Widow
Russ, to rebuild her house that was consumed by fire on Friday
last, and met with very good success. In the evening Mr. Mayo,
from Virginia^ came to see me.
April 26. — ^Forenoon went about the city with Mr. Barge on the same
business as yesterday. In the afternoon took a ride with Mr.
Mayo in my chair to show him the meadows, and in the even-
ing met at the Widow Matthews's, Isaac Howell, Esq., Mr. Barge,
Mr. Weed, Mr. Keen, and Mr. William Gray, concerning the
rebuilding the Widow Russ's house.
April 28. — In the afternoon went with my wife to Gravel Hill and Mr.
Standley's place, called Primefield. Brought home a few cabbs^
plants, and planted them in our garden in Chestnut Street, made
this spring.
May /. — Forenoon took Mr. Peter Kraft in my chair and went to C.
Breton's place, on the banks of Schuylkill, and there met the
following gentlemen by appointment : N. Boys, A. Geyer, W.
I I »
126
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
Richards, S. McLane, P. Ozeas, Pancake, John Purdon, and Mr.
Forbach, and dined there.
May 2, — In the afternoon went with my wife to Mr. Standley's, at
Point ; after we returned I went to the raising of the Widow Russ's
house, which was built by subscription.
May 5. — In the afternoon went with my wife to Thomas Roberts's,
about six miles, and drank tea there.
May y. — ^In the afternoon went with my wife to Gravel Hill, from thence
down toward Schuylkill, and to where the artillery battalion were
exercising, of which General Mifflin was newly elected colonel,
and this day commanded for the first time. In the evening met
the fire company at the Widow Matthews's, close by, in Market
Street
May 12, — General Mifflin came to our house and told us that Rebecca
Morris, who was married two days ago, set out to-day with her
husband, Mr. Talbot, to his farm on the North River in York State.
M^y ^3' — Went twice to church. This evening his Excellency
General Washington arrived in the city from his seat in Virginia.
The City Troop of horse received him at Mr. Gray's ferry ; the
artillery company saluted with firing their cannon.
May 22, — In the afternoon went with Mr. Jacob Barge to the burial
of David Erwin's wife. She was taken from Robert Erwin's house
in Sixth Street and buried in the Friends' graveyard.
May 26, — Dined at Robert Erwin's, Jr., who lately set up as tavern-
keeper in Market Street, in the new house his uncle built last summer,
with the following gentlemen : Matthew Clarkson, Edward Milnor,
Richard Footman, John Cornman, Jacob Barge, Captain Langhaar,
Joseph Rakestraw, Reynold Keen, and Robert Erwin, Sr.
May 28, — In the afternoon went with my wife to both meadows.
Greneral Pinckney had my pair of sorrel horses the first time.
June 4., — In the afternoon went with my wife to Mr. Standley's at
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMBR. 12/
Primefield, and in the evening my wife and I went to Market Street
gate, to see that great and good man, General Washington. We
had a full view of him, and Major Jackson, who walked with him,
but the number of people who followed him on all sides was aston-
ishing. He had been out on the field to review Captain Samuel
Miles with his troop of horse, the light in&ntry, and artillery. Mr.
Samuel Vaughan, Captains Boys and Geyer, drank tea at our
house.
June 5. — My wife and I went to Mr. Matthew Clarkson's and there
- drank tea with his wife, Mrs. Gross, Mrs. Barge, Mrs. Keppele,
Mrs. Bache, Miss Clifton, and a very little English woman who
came with Mrs. Bache.
June 8. — In the morning I called on General Pinckney, from South
Carolina, and showed him two bay geldings, now in his carriage, six
years old, the one belonging to Colonel Jacob Morgan the other to
Colonel Thomas Forrest The General agreed to take them, price
£SS each.
June 14, — ^Took a ride with Mr. Meade to try a horse, and then went
to Primefield with my wife and daughter Hannah.
June 16, — ^This afternoon Matthew Clarkson and Samuel Miles came
to see me; we had punch and tea, which my wife and daughter
provided.
June I"/. — ^Went twice to church. Mr. Robert Morris went with
General Washington in the General's carriage to dine at Mr. John
Ross's country house over Schuylkill.
JuTie zg, — Son Robert took his sister Kitty to Primefield «arly this
. morning, and in the afternoon went with my wife and daughter
Hannah to Gravel Hill, and from thence to Mr. Standley's and drank
tea there.
July 2. — In the afternoon met the Vestry at the German Reformed
schoolhouse, and in the evening the fire company at Robert
Erwin's, Jr., the Sign of the White Horse, in Market Street. Said
T WI ip I- - ....— . - —
128 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHBIMEIL
»
Erwin was this evening elected a member into our fire company,
and he had this day a son born.
July 2, — ^Before breakfitst went with my daughter Hannah to the
meadow, where I found three men mowing the five-acre piece. On
returning we met his Excellency General Washington taking a ride
on horseback, only his coachman Giles with him.
July 4.. — ^Went on horseback to Captain Von Heer's, at the Falls of
Schuylkill, and there dined with the following : Andrew Geyer,
Nathan Boys, William Richards, Samuel McLane, Peter Ozeas,
Philip Pancake, Street Commissioners ; Peter January, Peter Kraft,
John Purdon, George Latimore, and Sneider. Coming home
I overtook a company of gentlemen who had dined at Mrs. Keep-
ler's country seat. Colonel Jacob Morgan asked me to go with him
to Funk's Tavern. There had good punch, afl:er which we parted
and I got home before ten o'clock. My wife and two daughters,
Kitty and Hannah, went to Primefield and there drank tea.
July 8. — ^Went twice to church to-day.
July p. — ^Went to Gravel Hill in my chair and from thence to General
Mifflin's at the Falls. Brought Mrs. Mifflin home in my chair.
Went with my wife to William Jones's meadow.
July II. — ^Yesterday Colonel Pickering was here and took his leave, as
he was about setting out with his family for the town of Northumber-
land ; I wished him success in all his undertakings, knowing him
to be a gentleman and a very useful member of society.
July 14^ — ^This evening watered the street before my houses in Seventh
Street and our yard with the Amicable Fire Company engine.
July 17. — In the afternoon went with my wife, Matthew Clarkson, and
Mr. and Mrs. Barge to Mr. Gray's ferry, where we saw the great
improvements made in the garden, summer houses, and walks in the
woods. Greneral Washington and a number of other gentlemen of
the present Convention came down to spend the afternoon.
July 21, — ^After breakfast set out with my wife and two youngest
I .
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 1 29
daughters to Thomas Clayton's, and arrived there a little before three
o'clock.
July 22. — In the afternoon put my two horses in the wagon, and went
with my wife and daughter Mary, Thomas Clayton and wife, to
Caleb Brinton's, who is the talk of all Chester County, on account
of his riches, industry, and nearness in making bargains. He
received us kindly and treated us well. He lives in a neat house on
a high hill, with a garden in the front inclosed with a stone wall,
about 600 yards from the Brandywine, where General )Vashington
and General Howe had an engagement in September of 1777. After
tea we returned to Clayton's again.
Jidy 2j. — In the afternoon T. Clayton and my daughter Mary went on
horseback to visit several of his neighbors, and I took a walk about
the plantation.
July 24^ — ^After dinner put my gray horse, Camillus, and one pf my
pair of sorrels in the wagon and with my wife and daughters set
out for home. We took Marcus Hook in on our way, because
we had not visited there before, and arrived at home about seven
o'clock.
July 27. — Gave the Hon. General Pinckney, of South Carolina, and a
member of the present Convention, a list of the best public houses
on the road to Bethlehem, where he is going to visit for a few days,
as the Convention has adjourned for ten days,
July 28, — ^After dinner went to see Colonel Sam Miles, who has been
confined with a cut in the right hand these five weeks, and aftem^urd
took a ride with my wife.
July J I. — ^Went to Colonel Lewis Farmer, in Market Street, and had
the Dutch woman I bought on the ship from Hamburg, bound for
five years, commencing the 14th instant Her freight to Ross
Vaughan is £ij,
August J. — ^This evening John Gill, Esq., Colonel John Shee,. and Col-
onel Bull drank tea with us ; about the same time came from Tren-
r^^^-^m*'*^^
■wwnr*"
130
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
ton Mr. Abraham Hunt and his son Pearson, and they likewise sat
down with us.
August 12. — ^Went to church fore and afternoon. My daughter Kitty
went with Mr. William Standley to Oxford Church to hear Mr.
Pilmore preach.
August 14.. — ^This evening went with General Mifflin to the Society of
Home Manufacture at the Academy in Fourth Street.
August 75. — Forenoon went with five of the Street Commissioners to
Thompson's in Fourth Street and took a drink of punch. They
told me that they expect to complete the common sewer along
Fourth Street in four weeks. Spent the evening on Third Street
with Messrs. Boys, Geyer; and Pancake.
August 18, — My son Thomas went back to Trenton. In the afternoon
went with my. wife up Germantown Road and across by old Mrs.
Lawrence's place, and across Frankford Road near thq bridge, to
Mr. Standley's place at Point.
August /p. — ^Went with my wife and daughter Hannah to German-
town to Mr. Stoneburner's, and with Mr. and Mrs. Barge went with
William Rush and his wife in his wagon. The Rev. Mr. Pilmore
came there from Whitemarsh Church, when we all dined.
August 28. — Last evening I was sent for by the Street Commissioners
to Robert Erwin, Jrs'., tavern, and spent the evening with Messrs.
Boys, Geyer, Richards, and Pancake; Isaac Howell and Joseph
Wharton, Magistrates, and Mr. Connelly, Regulator.
August 2g. — ^Was requested by the Street Commissioners to spend the
evening with them at Robert Erwin*s, where, besides the Commis-
sioners, were Isaac Howell, William Pollard, Lewis Weiss, Alexander
Todd, William Rush, and Robert McKnight, Magistrates ; James
Pearson, Thomas Nevil, Gunning Bedford, and Mr. Connelly, Regu-
lators.
September i, — In the afternoon Leonard Stonebumer and his son-in-
law, William Rush, came to see me and drank tea with us.
•w
I ■■■■! I— wi^— ■;■ I . II a ij ^
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMEIL I3I
September J. — In the afternoon went with my daughter Betsey to
Mr. Pines's to instruct her in drawing. In the evening met the
Amicable Fire Company at Robert Erwin's tavern.
September 4. — Had to breakfast with me General Mifflin and Captain
Dayton, from Elizabethtown^ N. J., both members of the Conven-
tion now sitting in this city. In the evening went with Leonard
Stoneburner to Carpenters' Hall, and there met about ten members
of the Society of Agriculture, and from thence we went to the
Academy in Fourth Street and voted for managers of the Manu-
factory Society.
September ^. — ^Took a ride with the Hon. Mr. Langdon in his phaeton.
In the afternoon met the Assembly at* the State House, in the lower
room, and adjourned to meet to-morrow at half past nine o'clock in
the upper room, leaving the lower room as before to the gentlemen
of the Convention.
Septembers. — Forenoon met the Assembly at State House in the
upper room. In the afternoon went with the Hon. Mr. Langdon,
and Hon. Mr. Sherman down to the banks of the Schuylkill; liad
a drink of punch, and then took a small round home.
September 7. — Forenoon went to the State House as usual, and
nothing of importance being offered, the House adjourned at
twelve o'clock to meet to-morrow at half past nine. Dined at
General Mifflin's with George Ross and Richard Willing.
September 8^ — Attended at the State House ; nothing of consequence ;
the House adjourned at twelve o'clock to meet on Monday. After
dinner took my wife to Primefield and walked over to Mr. John
Dickinson's place to look at some hay he offered me.
September 10. — In the afternoon attended at the State House, when
five engrossed bills were signed by the Speaker.
September 12, — ^Went to the State House as usual, heard the cry of
fire, and was informed that it was Mr. <Iorman's sug^r-house,
near the Bettering House. On my way home on horseback from
t
132
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
Gravel Hill my horse struck me in the face with his head and quite
stunned me for several minutes.
September 75. — In the morning went with General Mifflin to see the
camel in Shippen's Alley, between Walnut and Spruce Streets, and
then attended at the State House. In the afternoon went with
my wife to General Mifflin's, at the Falls of Schuylkill.
September 17, — In the forenoon gave Mr. John Luken a ride in my
chair to Mr. Ogden's ferry. He told me that he had not been so
far from his house in twelve months. In the afternoon attended at
the State House, when a communication from our delegates in the
Convention was read, informing the House that the Convention
had adjourned, and that they would be ready to-morrow to lay
before the House their proceedings of a four-months' session.
September 18, — Forenoon attended the Assembly as usual. Our dele-
gates to the Convention brought into the Assembly the proceed-
ings of said Convention, signed by thirty-nine members, as appears
in the said Constitution read by our Speaker, Thomas Mifflin, to
the House this day.
September /p. — Forenoon attended the Assembly, when the bill passed
the House to erect part of Bedford County into a new county called
Huntington.
September 22, — Forenoon attended the Assembly. The bill for
regulating auctions and vendues was on its third reading. A
considerable debate ensued — Fitzsimmons, Clymer, and Robinson
on one side. Dr. Logan and Robert Whitehill on the other side.
The bill was postponed.
September 2j, — In the morning went with Townsend Whelen, Esq., to
the burial of Joseph Ogden, Jr., who was shot through the leg last
Thursday, his gun going off by accident in the boat in which he was
with Benjamin Scull. The doctor cut off his leg, but could not
save him, owing, as is said, to his losing too much blood. The
corpse was taken from the Middle ferry to the Friends' graveyard,
followed by an uncommon large number of people.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 1 33
September 28. — Forenoon attended at the Assembly. It was proposed
by Mr. George Clymer that this House recommend to the people
to choose a convention as soon as convenient to deliberate and to
confer on the Federal Constitution as recommended by the late
honorable Convention. This occasioned a long debate; the
speakers in favor of it were the two Clymers, Fitzsimmons, Robin-
son, and Brackenridge ; against it, R« Whitehill and William
Findlay. On the votes being taken forty-three were for it and
nineteen against it: the House then adjourned to four o'clock in the
afternoon. Half an hour after the Speaker took the chair, and the
members' names being called, it was found that eighteen of those
who had voted against the Convention stayed away, and one of
the forty-three, Mr. Antes; Mr. Bower was the only one who
appeared in the House that voted against it in the forenoon,
therefore, no quorum being present, the House adjourned to
half past nine to-morrow.
September 2g. — Forenoon attended the Assembly. When the Speaker,
General Mifflin, took the chair, two members were wanting to
make a House, although there are twenty members about the city
that stayed away on purpose that the public busmess — I mean that
the report which recommended the choosing a Convention to confirm
the late made Federal Constitution — ^should not be adopted, but the
spectators, being much displeased that a matter of so much con-
sequence should be left undone for want of two members, they
hunted up two — Claymont and Miley — ^and brought them to the
House. After that the report was adopted, which is that the
several counties elect the same number of delegates to serve
in Convention as they do for the Assembly the first Tuesday in
November next, to meet in Philadelphia in two weeks after the
House adjourns. I gave in a report that the Committee affixed
the seal to twenty-six laws passed this session. Went with my wife
to Gravel Hill and to Primefidd.
October 2, — In the afternoon went with my wife to General Mifflin's
i*
134 DIARY OF JACOR HILTZHEIMER.
«
place at the Falls. Mr. Falkner, Mr. Lyon, and Miss S. M orris
came there in a light wagon. " ^
October J. — In the afternoon went to the Bettering House, east wing;
there took part in a dinner with a large number of gentlemen given
by George Gray, Hugh Roberts, and Peter Brown, County Com-
missioners, which was for the raising of the Court House at the
comer of Sixth and Chestnut Streets.
October s, — In the afternoon the following members of Assembly met
at my house — Fitzsimmons, George Clymer, and William Robinson.
Afterward went down town to take leave of the Hon. General
Pinckney, who is setting out for South Carolina.
October p. — In the afternoon went with my wife to both meadows, and
after we returned I walked to the State House and gave in my
vote for Assemblymen and other officers. Afterward went to
young Robert Erwin's and had some punch and a lunch with Wil-
liam Gray, Andrew Bonner, William Govett, Stephen Paschal, Jr.,
Thomas Potts, and Mr. Bartholomew.
October 12, — Last night met at Patrick Byms's, in Front near Walnut
Street, the following gentleman : Jonathan Penrose, Esq., Wm. Pol-
lard, Esq., and Richard Renshaw, arbitrators, reappointed by the
Court, since the death of Joseph Pemberton, to settle the account
between the Pemberton estate and 'Abraham Kintzing, formerly'
partners in meadow lands.
October ij. — After dinner had my gray horse Camillus, five years old,
put in the chair ; wife and I set out toward our place in New Jersey.
Went up Old York Road fourteen miles, turned to the right for two
miles, and arrived at Jonathan Balderstone's, in Montgomery
County, where we were well received and stayed all night
October 14.. — After breakfast we set out, crossed the Delaware at Cor-
yell's, went on to Ringold's Tavern, kept by Robeson, and there
dined, and then went eleven miles further to my place, occupied by
Isaiah Coles, in all fifty-one miles.
)C
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 1 35
October 15, — ^After break&st viewed the house on my place and agreed
to lay out ;^I3 in repairs on it Left Coles's and went to our old
friend Peter Gordon, Esq., in Hopewell.
October 16. — Mr. Gordon, his next neighbor, Nathaniel Stout, and my-
self went to see Mr. N. Stout, on the Hill, and observed that his
house, barn, and fences were all in bad order. After Mr. Gordon
and I returned to his house, we found Mr. Stout, from the Hill,
there, waiting for us. We had some talk about exchanging places ;
he has about 240 acres and I 200 acres ; he valued his at ;£'i200, and
I mine at j^/oo. The difference was more than I would give, so
we parted.
October ij, — ^After breakfast left Mr. Gordon's and went to Mr. Ralph
Phillips's, in Maidenhead. Colonel Joseph Phillips called and spent
the evening with us.
October j8. — Mr. R. Phillips, his wife and little daughter, my wife,
and I set out to Princeton and Scudder's Mill.
October ig. — ^After breakfast we left Mr. Phillips's and came to Mr.
Abraham Hunt's, in Trenton. Mr. Hunt had gone to Philadelphia,
but we were well received by Mrs. Hunt. Mrs. Mayo, her brother
and sister, DeHart, were there and on their way to Richmond, in
Virginia. At all the different places we were exceedingly well
treated. I went down to Lamberton to see my son Thomas, who
returned with me to see his mother.
October 20. — ^After breakfast we left Trenton and went down to Lam-
berton, our son Thomas with us. We stayed at his shop a short
time, and then went on to McEllroy's, in Bristol, and there dined.
We reached home before dark.
October 22. — In the afternoon the General Assembly met, but not
enough members present to make a House.
October 24. — In the morning went with General Mifflin to his place at
the Falls, called at Mr. Standley's place, and dined at the General's.
\
1
136 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHBIMER.
After dinner we came to town and went to the State House, and,
forty-six members being present, the General was chosen Speaker.
October 2^, — Attended at the State House in the forenoon. P. Z.
Lloyd and J. Shallus were rechosen Clerk and Assistant Clerk yes-
terday ; to-day James Martin was chosen Sergeant-at-Arms in the
place of Nicholas Weaver, and Joseph Fry, Doorkeeper.
October 26. — Attended at the State House in the forenoon, and in the
afternoon went to the meadows with my wife.
October 27. — ^After breakfast went with General Mifflin to the State
House, and in the afternoon the General's sister-in- ^aw^ c; ^Qp^g^
came to my house in chair for my wife and I to go up to his place
at the Falls, which we did, and drank tea there. My wife and I re-
turned; they remained.
October ^p. — In the afternoon attended at the State House. At mid-
night heard the cry of fire. Found that it was an old building on the
east side of Third Street between Market and Chestnut Streets,
next to the Harp and Crown Tavern.
October ji. — In the afternoon attended at the State House as usual,
where was elected by Council and Assembly his Excellency Ben-
jamin Franklin, President of the State, and the Hon. Peter Muhlen-
berg, Vice President. In the afternoon went with my wife to
Primeiield.
November J. — Forenoon attended the Assembly. The House having
no business on their file, and Tuesday next being the day for
electing members to serve in a State Convention which is to meet
in this city on the third Tuesday in the present month, according to
law, the House adjourned to next Wednesday. Went with my
wife to the meadows, and on our way down we saw a small frame
house on Fifth Street near South, which was consumed by fire this
forenoon.
November 6. — ^This day was the election for five delegates to serve in
the State Convention, viz., Thomas McKean, James Wilson, Ben-
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 1 3/
jamin Rush, George Latimer, and Hilary Baker. In the evening
I went with Mr. Pickering, Samuel Miles, and Matthew Clarkson
from my house to the Agriculture Society at Carpenters' Hall.
November 7. — ^Forenoon went to the committee room and there was
met by the members of the Grand Committee on Claims, and in the
afternoon attended the Assembly.
November 8. — Forenoon attended as usual at the State House. Had
to dine with me the following gentlemen: Honorable Thomas
Mifflin, Richard Peters, Richard Thomas, Townsend Whelen, Mr.
Clingan^ Mr. Davison, Mr. Schott, and Colonel Pickering, all mem-
bers of the present Assembly except the last mentioned. At five
o'clock I met again the Grand Committee, and at seven o'clock
fifteen of the members at Hasall's Tavern, to name the Delegates for
Congress to be elected to-morrow. Armstrong, Irwin, Meredith,
and Bingham, who are in Congress now, and Wayne, to take the
place of St Clair, whose time is up.
November g. — Forenoon attended the House of Assembly, and after-
noon met the Committee of Claims.
November 10. — Forenoon attended the State House, in the afternoon
went with my wife to Mr. Standley's place and afterward to Gener^
Mifflin's at the Falls, where we drank tea and returned home.
November 11. — Forenoon went to church, then took Thomas Clingan
in my chair and went to General Mifflin's, where we dined with the
following gentlemen : George Clymer, Richard Willing, Thomas
Clingan, J. Paul Schott, members of Assembly, and Colonels Brod-
head and Pickering.
November 12. — Forenoon met the Grand Committee of Claims at the
State House, and afternoon the Assembly.
November ij. — Forenoon attended the Assembly, and in the afternoon
met the Grand Committee of Claims.
November 75. — Forenoon attended the Assembly, and afternoon met
tiie Grand Committee at the Stat^ House in the committee room.
10
I
138 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIlfEiL
November 16. — Forenoon attended the Assembly, and made three
reports, on John Penn, Jr., and John Penn's memorial on Colonel
Mentges, for an allowance for services done to the State, and on
Devereux Smith's sufferings as Magistrate. The Luzerne Bill had
its second reading. The speakers in its favor were Messrs. Fitz-
simmons, Lewis, G. Clymer, Peters, and Robinson; against it
Messrs. McLane and Findlay.
November 20. — Forenoon attended the Assembly. Dined at Erwin's
Tavern with the following gentlemen : General Mifflin, Richard
Peters, Richard Willing, Samuel Evans, Townsend Whelen, Wil-
liam Lewis, John Paul Schott, Richard Thomas, and Francis John-
son, all members of Assembly except the latter.
November 21. — Forenoon attended the Assembly. The State Con-
vention met yesterday afternoon in the upper room in the State
Hoiise, but only thirty-eight members appearing, they adjourned
until this afternoon.
November 22, — ^Attended the Assembly both fore and afternoon.
The Luzerne Bill was before the House all day and did not get
through with it We had a very warm debate about an amend-
ment of Mr. Findlay's. Messrs. Lewis, Clymer, Fitzsimmons, and
Peters spoke against it ; but, after all, the amendment was adopted.
November 2j, — Forenoon attended the Assembly. The Luzerne Bill
was brought up again and postponed, in order to examine at the
bar of the House the three Commissioners of that county concern-
ing the disposition of the people with regard to the law the House
passed last March. The Commissioners were Colonels Pickering,
Montgomery, and Balliet In the afternoon met the Committee of
Claims at the State House; after that I went to see Mr. J. Barge.
November 24^ — Forenoon attended the Assembly. The Luzerne Bill
came up again, and after debating all the morning on it, part of it
was committed, and the House adjourned to meet at half past nine
o'clock on Monday morning.
I
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 1 39
Novernber 25. — Forenoon attended church, and then went with my
wife to General Mifflin's, at the Falls, and there dined ; after dinner
Mr. Hockley and Robert Hiltzheimer came in.
November 28. — ^Attended the House of Assembly twice. In the after-
noon the Luzerne Bill, that occasioned such long debates, and
indeed, sometimes confusion, was brought up again and finally
postponed. I wish this may not renew the trouble in that county.
November 2p. — Forenoon attended the Assembly. Mr. Findlay called
up the Luzerne Bill that was postponed yesterday, in order to
amend the clause he introduced last Thursday, by striking out the
words " Legal Representatives," and insert '^ Heirs and Assigns,"
but it was negatived. Therefore this bill, which is a supplement to
an act passed last March concerning the Connecticut claimants,
notwithstanding so many attempts have been made to . j^et it
through the House, remains on the file unfinished. The House
adjourned to meet on the 19th day of February next
November 30. — Forenoon went to the State House and heard the
debates in our State Convention. The speakers in favor of its
adoption were Messrs. McKean, Wilson, Rush, Yates, and Hartley ;
against it, Messrs. R. Whitehill, Findlay, and Smilie.
December 2. — Went to church twice. Mr. Matthew Clarkson spent
the evening with us.
December 4^ — ^Went with Captain N. Falkner, in my chair, to William
Lesher's in Germantown. Then I went out and brought to the
house Leonard Stoneburner, a number of the inhabitants and land-
holders of Philadelphia County, to consult concerning the ofiering
to cede a part of the county to the Federal Government for their
residence and exclusive jurisdiction. Mr. Matthew Clarkson was
called to the chair and Mr. William Hall made Secretary, and after
some debate it was agreed that the question be put. The Chair-
. man told the gentlemen present that those who are in favor of making
Congress the offer should show their assent by holding up their
140 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
hands, which was done by all in the room. A number of blank peti-
tions were then handed to gentlemen residing in different parts of
the county to get them signed. A number of gentlemen signed at
the table.
December 6. — Went to Gravel Hill on horseback. This day the Depu-
ties of Delaware ratified the new Federal Constitution by a unani-
mous vote.
December p. — Forenoon went to church ; in the aflemoon Mr, Amdt,
a member of the Convention, and Mr. Afflick came to see me. Two
of my daughters went to Oxford church.
December 12, — ^To-day our Convention ratified the Constitution of the
United States ; votes in its favor forty-six, against it twenty-three.
December 18. — In the afternoon Matthew Clarkson went with me in
my chair to Gravel Hill. In the evening went to the Court House,
there supped with eighteen gentlemen, being invited by the Street
Commissioners, N. Boys, A. Geyer, P. Ozeas, P. Pancake, J. Jones,
and Hallowell.
December 20. — General MifHin and Captain N. Falkner dined with us.
December 21. — At twelve o'clock went to Captain N. Falkner's in Race
j Street and there dined ; then we set out in my chair with gray
horse Camillus and called on General MifHin at the Falls. The
General and his sister-in-law ^ S. Morrjs . in his phaeton with a pair
of young horses, set out with us toward his farm near Reading. At
Vanderen's Hill he got stalled, and after some trouble I got his
horses and carriage up ; after that they went very well for that day.
We arrived at Norrington, and Stayed at Shannon's Tavern for the
night
December 22. — Had breakfast and set out by eight o'clock. The first
hill, which is near the town, the General's horses stopped again.
However they both got out of the carriage, and after some labor we
got them up and they went on very well until we reached the
Perkiomen Creek, when they refused again to pull. A wagon with
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. I4I
four horses coming after us, the driver hitched two of his horses to
the General's and hauled them up on the level. We then went on
to Pottstown- and there dined. There the General borrowed a
horse of Colonel F. Nicholas, to put in the place of his worse horte ;
at two o'clock crossed Schuylkill at the White Horse, went over
Flying Hill, and arrived at the General's house about an hour after
sunset
December 2^, — The General, Falkner, and I went to the town of
Reading, and returned to his house to dinner.
December 25. — Christmas. We three went to Reading by invitation
of General D. Brodhead and dined with him. There were nine at
the table : Mr. C. Read, Mr. Dundass, Mr. D. Clymer, Mr. Moore,
General Mifflin, Captain Falkner, and myself.
December 26. — In the forenoon the General, Falkner, and I went to
see Jacob Kurtz, a new neighbor, in order to inspect his extifttordi-
naiy bam, loo feet long^ with three thrashing floors over each other.
In the afternoon the General and I drove to Reading.
December 27, — ^After breakiast Captain N. Falkner and I set out with
my horse and chair from General Mifflin's. When we reached
Pottstown we were called by Colonel Francis Nicholas, who insisted
on our staying to dine with him, as he would have only a few friends,
with all of whom he knew we are acquainted. We stayed and dined
with Mr. Samuel Potts and three sons, Mr. Thomas Rutter, two
sons and son-in-law Walker, and my son Robert. After dinner
we were joined by Mr. Jesse Potts and a son of John Potts, just
from Jersey. Captain Falkner and I lodged with our good friend,
Colonel Nicholas.
December 28. — Colonel Nicholas, Captain Falkner, and I walked about
a mile to Mr. James Hockley's, at Glassgow Iron Works, and
breakfasted with him. We visited the forge, where I saw them
make pig iron into bars. We dined with Mr. T. Rutter, eleven
ladies of the Potts' and Rutter family, and seventeen gentlemen,
■ssrrr
142 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
all in one room. Captain Falkner and I went home with Colonel
Nicholas, there supped and lodged.
December 2g. — Took our leave of that generous man, Colonel Nicho-
las, went one mile, and breakfasted, according to promise, with Mr.
Samuel Potts ; then went on to Shannon's and there dined. We
arrived at home half an hour after sunset
December JO, — ^Snowing the greater part of the day, so stayed in the
house all day.
1788.
January /. — Forenoon went to church. In the evening met the
Agricultural Society at Carpenters' Hall.
January 4. — Had to dine with me the following gentlemen : General
Daniel Brodhead» of Reading ; Colonel Francis Nicholas, of Potts-
town; Dr. George Slough, of Lancaster; Captain Nathaniel Falkner,
and Matthew Clarkson, E^q.
January 10, — ^Went to the burial of James Budden, froni his house on
Chestnut Street between Tenth and Eleventh, to the Church ground
on Arch Street. Captain Miles's troop of light-horse, of which he
was a member, paraded.
January ly. — ^Went to Ogden's Ferry and there met Richard Hum-
phreys, Nathan Gibson, James Bartram, and Philip Price. Daniel
Rundle was not well enough to attend. We were directed by order
of Court of December nth last to lay out a road from Market
Street, to begin on west side of the Schuylkill to the County Line,
to meet the road recently opened through Chester County. We
proceeded along the course to Cobb's Creek, near which the present
road crosses near John Sellers's mill. We dined at James Worrell's,
where we met J. Ogden, John Sellers, Nathan Sellers, T. Harrison,
and Jones. We returned home by Ogden's.
January 21. — Matthew Clarkson dined with me, after which we went
to the State House to settle the estate of Alexander Russel.
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
143
While there, Mr. Powell, Miles, and Whelen desired me to remain
to receive the votes for the officers to be elected for the Society for
Encouraging Manufactures and Useful Arts. The following gentle-
men were elected : Thomas Mifflin, President ; David Rittenhouse,
George Clymer, Samuel Miles, and Samuel Powel, Vice-Presidents ;
Joseph Hilbom, Treasurer ; Dr. Casper Wister and J. B. McKean^
Secretaries ; John Wharton, John Wilcox, John King, Robert Hare,
George Fox, H. Kammerer, Tench Coxe, William Rawle, William
Brigham, William Robeson, M. Lewis, and Hillary Baker, Managers.
January 24. — This morning when our maid came down-stairs she
found that the house had been robbed, an entrance having been
effected through one of the windows. Closets and drawers were
ransacked, and with the exception of a sword belonging to General
Mifflin, but little of value was taken.
February /. — ^Went to the burial of the daughter of Levi HoUingsworth,
who was drowned while crossing Darby Creek in a sleigh. I
walked with Thomas Morris to Friends' meeting house, comer
Second and Market Streets, where William Savery and Nicholas
Wain spoke. The corpse was then taken to Friends' ground on
Arch Street. Drank tea with my wife and daughter at Matthew
Clarkson's.
February 6. — ^Went down to the wharf to see the ice in the Delaware ;
there met Tench Francis, who came home with me and spent the
evening.
February /j. — Daniel Run die and I took a ride over Schuylkill to view
the new road from William Hamilton's place to Cobb's Creek. We
called at John Sellers's and dined there.
February 18, — Called to see Matthew Clarkson and there read in
Dunlap's newspaper that Massachusetts had adopted the Federal
Constitution on the 6th inst
February 27. — General Dickinson, Townsend Whelen, and Timothy
Matlack drank tea at my house.
1
jfi
.r w ii»i Ml
rw^ir^i*""*^""'"
144 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIIfEiL
Febmary 2g. — Break&sted with me General Mifflin, S. Meredith, G.
Wynkoop and Mr. Dubois, after which we went to the State House.
In the afternoon went to the burial of the wife of William Richards
in the meeting-house yard on Spruce Street
March 2. — ^Visited General Mifflin at the Falls. We crossed the ice
and walked to Richard Peters's place, where we dined.
March 4^ — ^Attended the Assembly, and in the afternoon went to the
burial of Mrs. John Lukens. Walked with Tench Francis.
March 6. — ^The House went into Committee of the Whole. Mr. Ed-
ward Tilghman appeared for the City Wardens, who are opposed to
the bill vesting the rights of the Middle Ferry on Schuylkill to the
subscribers for the building of a permanent bridge.
March 7. — Mr. Fisher, counsel for the bridge company, spoke for
nearly two hours and a half in their behalf.
March lo. — After the Assembly adjourned, General Mifflin, Captain
Falkner, and Colonel Mentges came home with me and drank tea.
March /j. — ^The memorial of Dr. William Smith was read concerning
the College, on which a long debate ensued, when it was finally
decided that a committee be chosen by ballot next Tuesday to con-
sider it
March 17. — ^A remarkably fine day for St Patrick to come to town.
In the Assembly this afternoon the report amending the penal laws
was debated and agreed to.
March 28. — In the House the bill for the gradual abolition of slavery
was on its third reading. After dinner I went to Mr. Erwin's and
drank a glass of wine with General Mifflin and his cousin, Warner
Mifflin, who attended the Assembly with other Friends to^ urge
the passage of the bill. The House met again in the afternoon
and the bill was passed.
March 2p. — General Mifflin and Dr. William Smith breakfasted with
me. The Assembly adjourned to September next.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
H5
March jo, — Forenoon went to church, after which I took Colonel
Irwin, of the Assembly, in my chair and went to General Mifflin's
at the Falls, where we dined with James Morris, Colonel Thomas
Craig, CoUison Reed, John F. jMifflin, Daniel Mifflin, Colonel
Francis Mentges, and Dr. William Smith.
March j/. — ^James Wilson, Esq., is to rent my house at Southwest
comer Seventh and Market Streets at £ 75 per annum.
April //. — General Mifflin with Susannah Morris in his chair, and I
with Captain Falkner, attended the ourial of John Vanderin at
Friends' ground, Germantown, where Nicholas Wain spoke. We
returned to the Greneral's for dinner, after which Edward Milnor
and his son-in-law, Donaldson, called and we all went down to the
Schuylkill to see the fishermen haul in their net with shad. I
brought two fine ones home with me.
April 7p. — My wife went to market for the first time in six weeks,
owing to her illness. General Mifflin dined with us, after which
he set out for the Falls.
May 6, — ^Samuel Meredith drank tea at my house, after which we
attended a meeting of the Society of Agriculture.
May 10, — ^Went to Mr. John Penn's stables by request to value his
pair of carriage horses and also a saddle horse. He told me that
Mrs. Penn and he would set out for England in a few days, and
that young John started the 30th of last month.
May 22. — I rode out to Cunningham^s Centre House to hear the
famous Jemima Wilkinson preach, and in the room where formerly
a billiard table stood I saw and heard her. She spoke much in the
New England dialect She appeared to be about twenty-five years
of age, her hair was dressed like that of a man, and she wore a black
gown after the fashion of church ministers.
June^, — ^Took James Wilson, Esq., in my chair to the Falls and there
breakfasted with General Mifflin, agreeably to his invitation. John
P. MifHin, Dr. Redman, Captain Zetgler, and an English gentleman
*•* •■"
■I
146 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMKR.
on his travels were present. At two o'clock dined with Captain N.
Falkner on Race Street, with General Mifflin, C aptain Sa muel
Morris, Charles Biddle, Josiah Hewes, and William Hall. ^^
July ^. — ^The Federal procession of to-day was in honor of the ratifi-
cation of the Constitution of the United States. I was busy super-
intending the horses and carriages on the way to Mr. Hamilton's at
Bush Hill.
July 6. — Went to church twice. The Rev. Mr. Schneider, of Albany,
New York, preached an excellent Federal sermon in the morning.
Ju/y 7. — Met the Church Vestry at the schoolhouse, and after the
meeting Mr. Daniel Sutter took four of us home with him and pre-
pared a bowl of good punch.
August J. — I left to-day with my wife, daughter Betsey, and Mrs. Barge,
in a light wagon, for a two weeks journey through the country.
August 77. — Returned home with my family after visiting Lancaster,
Wright's Ferry, Lititz, Ephrata, Reading, AUentown, Bethlehem,
Christian's Spring, Nazareth, and Easton.
September 2. — ^Attended a meeting of the Agricultural Society and re-
ported the result of my experiment in planting twenty gfrains of Cape
wheat in my garden.
September 6. — Forenoon attended the Assembly, and in the afternoon
went with a number of members to Mr. HoUingsworth's store to
see the model of Rumsey's waterworks set in motion by steam.
September 2j. — ^After the Assembly adjourned, had to dine with me.
Greneral Mifflin, Richard Peters, D. Whelen, Mr. Edward Troxler,
with Colonel Pickering, Matthew Clarkson, and Captain Falkner.
In the evening about twenty-five members met at Hassell's tavern
to consult on the selection of two Senators to represent this State.
September 2p. — From the State House a large number of members
went to Hassell's tavern, when it was determined to run Robert
Morris and William Maclay for Senators.
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. I47
September jo. — Robert Morris and William Maclay were elected
Senators. In Committee of the Whole, Oswald's memorial against
the Judges, McKean, Atlee, and Rush, was under consideration.
Mr. Lewis spoke in their favor and Mr. Findlay for Oswald.
October J, — ^A long debate ensued on the resolution offered by George
Clymer and another by Mr. Findlay. The latter was rejected
and Mr. Clymer's adopted, which was that the charges of Oswald,
the printer, were not proven, and therefore there was no ground for
impeachment
October g. — Colonel Pickering breakfasted with me, after which I took
him in my chair to Mr. Standley's and to Mr. Meredith's, close by.
November i, — ^Attended the Assembly, and a quorum being present,
the Clerk read the returns of the late election, after which we elected
Richard Peters, Esq., our Speal^er. Gerardus Wynkoop and I had
the honor of conducting him to the chair, when he was qualified
by General Mifflin.
November J, — ^Attended at the State House, when the usual committees
were appointed. I was reappointed Chairman of the Committee on
Claims.
November ^. — Had to breakfast with me Major William Macpherson
and J. Salter. Speaker Peters and General Mifflin called after
breakfast and we all proceeded to the State House. After dinner
took a ride with my wife to General Mifflin's at the Falls to see
the alterations he is making to his house.
November 5, — ^The Assembly unanimously elected General Thomas
Mifflin President of the State, and Mr. George Ross was elected,
by a majority of twenty votes, Vice-President
November 6. — ^After the House adjourned a number of the members
went to Christ Church, where Bishop White read the service and
Mr. Blackwell preached the sermon.
November ii. — Owing to the continued illness of the Speaker the
House adjourned. From the State House. walked down to the
148 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMEIL
wharves and found them covered by water from Market Street to
the drawbridge.
November 26, — His Excellency President Mifflin dined with me. Went
to the State House and voted for eight Representatives to serve
in the new Congress, viz., F: A. Muhlenberg, Henry Wynkoop,
Thomas Hartley, George Clymer, Thomas Fitzsimmons, Peter
Muhlenberg, Daniel Hiester, and Thomas Scott.
November 28. — My daughters had a frolic at home, his Excellency
General Mifflin and several young men being present
December 11. — Dined with General Mifflin at the Falls and the follow-
ing gentlemen: George Ross, a French Colonel. • CaptauL^ Samuel
Morns, Captain Awl, Captain Falkner, Captain Simmons, Captain
Jose^ Anthony, William Hall, Joseph Rakestraw, Andrew Tybout,
John Baker, Philip Wager, Leonard Jacoby, John Wharton, and
Francis Mentges.
December 21. — Attended the burial of Andrew Doz at Fifth and Arch
Streets ; walked with Thomas Fitzsimmons.
December 26. — After dinner went to the Lutheran schoolhouse and
there met the German Society. They elected me one of their
Vice-Presidents. From thence went to Colonel Farmer's house on
Market Street to supper. About twenty-four gentlemen sat down,
all Germans except William Rawle and Mr. Barton, two lawyers.
December j/. — ^Took Richard Peters, Esq., to Weed's ferry and saw
him safely over, when I returned home.
1789.
January 7. — ^Went to the State House and voted for ten Presidential
Electors, who are to meet next month in Reading.
January p. — Dined at Captain Falkner's on Race Street, with General
Mifflin, President ; George Ross, Vice-President ; Richard Willing,
Samuel Miles, Z. Potts, members of Council.
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. I49
January i6. — ^After break&st took my wife and daughter Hannah in
sleigh to Matthew Clarkson's, at Germantown.
January ij. — Went down to the wharves and found the ice fast, and
was told this is the second time this season.
January 24., — Put my horses in the sleigh and called for John Luken,
Robert Erwin, Sr., and Joseph Rakestraw. We drove along the
banks of the Schuylkill to Mr. Briton's at the sign of the Swan,
there dined, and reached home before dark. Mr. Luken had been
laid up with the gout for a long time.
January ji, — Snow fell last night and this morning and is nine inches
deep. Went with General Mifflin and my daughter Elizabeth in
my sleigh to his house at the Falls of Schuylkill. Returned to
town with John Mifflin, his sister, the Widow Archer, in his sleigh,
and his brother Joseph's daughter in mine.
February i. — ^l*ook my wife and daughter in my sleigh to Mr. Qark-
son's at Geitnantown; there met Michael Hillegas and daughter,
Joseph Anthony, Jr., and wife. Mr. Hillegas returned in my sleigh,
the weather exceedingly cold at the time.
February 2. — Vtry cold. In the afternoon called for Mr.*Barge, when
we proceeded to the burial of John Wister at Friends' ground,
[Germantown] just back of his garden. He was eighty-one years
old ; came from near Heidelberg, Germany, sixty years ago, as he
told me this day one week ago, at which time I spent above an
hour at his house, talking about our own country.
February 3, — ^The ice is fast in the river for the third time this season.
Went to the State House in the afternoon, but no quorum present
Then took my wife and two youngest daughters a sleigh ride along
the Schuylkill. Attended a meeting of the Agricultural Society at
Carpenters' Hall.
February 4. — ^Went to the State House, but for want of four members
no business was done.
w^^:mH (!*••• »--#•-
150 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMBR.
February 5. — ^A quorum present ; accordingly, the House proceeded to
business.
February 8. — Peter Trexler, Conrad Ihrie, and Stephen Balliet, mem-
bers of the Assembly from Northampton County, went with me in
my sleigh to Hon. Richard Peters's, Speaker of the Assembly, at
Belmont, where we dined.
February p. — Met in the Assembly Room ; no debate, only petitions
and reports read. From there went to Hassler's tavern, where the
city members and the Speaker met to discuss the bill for incorporat-
ing the city.
February 10. — ^We passed a bill that enables aliens to purchase and
hold real estate in this Commonwealth until January i, 1792, at
which date the act expires.
February 14, — Forenoon attend the House. At noon set out from my
house with President Mifflin and General Neville for the Falls, to
dine with nineteen members of the Assembly. Dr. William Smith,
formerly of the College; the President of the German Society;
Kennedy, of the Land Office ; Colonel Mentges, and Mr. Harris
were also present.
February ip, — ^The bill for incorporating the city had its second read-
ing and was ordered to be printed.
February 20, — ^Snow thirteen inches on a level ; very cold.
February 21. — ^Attended the Assembly, when the bill to take off the
tax on chairs and light wagons had a second reading. The debate
was long, but when the question was taken a majority was in favor
of it After we adjourned I took Gerardus Wynkoop, J. Chapman,
and a member from Bucks in my sleigh to President Mifflin's, at the
Falls, where we dined with a number of gentleman.
February 28. — Had to breakfast with me Dr. Gregg, Dr. Chapman,
and Gerardus Wynkoop from Bucks County, Alexander Lowrey,
General Neville, and Joseph Carson, after which we all went to the
Assembly.
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. I5I
March 3. — Breakfasted with me Jonathan Roberts, of Montgomery, and
Obadiah Gore, from Luzerne County. In the afternoon met the
City Wardens and Street Commissioners at the State House con-
cerning incorporating the city.
March 4.. — Forenoon attended the Assembly. The bill passed a third
reading and was ordered engrossed, restoring the College of Phila-
delphia to the trustees, provost, vice-provost, and masters of the
Academy, an incorporated body prior to November 27, 1779.
March 6. — ^Weighed the steer raised by me, five years old last August,
called St Patrick — net meat, 1417 Sbs. He was killed by George
Hassell and weighed in the presence of David Seckel, Tench
Francis, Andrew Tybout, John Wharton, and William Govitt.
March 11. — ^The bill incorporating the city became a law.
March ij. — ^The report of the Committee on Ways and Means consid-
ered. Mr. Lewis spoke three hours in &vor of repealing a part of
the Funding Bill passed in March, 1785. In the afternoon the
House heard Robert Wells on behalf of John Fitch, and Mr.
Fisher is to be heard on Tuesday on behalf of Rumsey with
regard to the steamboat privileges passed in March of 1787.
March /j. — On my way home from church this afternoon George
Cl3rmer called me to come in, where I found the following gentle-
men seated around the table with wine before them : James Wil-
son, General P. Dickinson, Dr. Jones, Colonel Lambert Cadwalader,
Mr. Clymer's two sons, and General Dickinson's son.
March ig. — ^By appointment about thirty members met to-night at the
City Tavern and agreed to an address to the people at large to call
a Convention for altering and amending our State Constitution.
March 22, — ^Went to the burial of William Shaw. His body was
. brought from Chester and buried from the house of Samuel Shaw
on Market Street, in Friends' ground. Walked with William
Turner.
i
152 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
March 26, — ^At 8 o'clock this evening my daughter Kitty was married
to Jacob Cox by Bishop William White, in the presence of Thomas
Mifflin, President of the State ; Richard Peters, Speaker of the
Assembly ; Mr. Cox, his wife, son, and five daughters ; Pearson
Hunt, William Lawrence, Mrs. Clark, Robert Crozier, and all my
family.
March 2j, — My daughter and son-in-law set out for Maryland.
March J I. — Messrs. John Wilcox, Samuel Hodgdon, and Andrew
Tybdut, a committee appointed by the citizens of Middle Ward,
waited on me to know whether I would serve as an Alderman of
the city under the corporation if elected. Thanked them kindly
and told them that I knew my abilities were not equal to the
office, and therefore they must excuse my accepting. Met the
officers of the German Society.
April 4. — ^Attended my men digging the garden in Chestnut Street
April 7. — His Excellency Thomas Mifflin and Timothy Pickering
breakfasted with me. In the aflemoon went to the State House
and voted for fifteen Aldermen to serve seven years.
April 12. — My daughter and son-in-law returned from Maryland.
April 20. — ^At Bristol (on my return home from Trenton) heard the
great guns fire in Philadelphia to welcome his Excellency George
Washington, President of the United States, from Wilmington.
He dined at the City Tavern with the principal gentlemen of the
city and members of the troop of light-horse. At night fireworks
were exhibited at Market and Ninth Streets.
AprU 21, — ^About ten o'clock the President set out for New York with
Colonel Humphrey and Charles Thomson. Captain Bingham, with
part of his troop, followed, and at Frankford his Excellency
thanked them and begged that they would turn back, as it was
raining. Captain James Thompson with the County Troop went
on further.
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
153
May /. — With Messrs. Stoneburner and Hunt went to Robert Erwin,
Jr.'s, and had some punch, after which I went on horseback over
Schuylkill to Isaac Warner's Fish House and there dined with
about forty gentlemen, among whom were George Ross, Benjamin
Chew, the elder, Richard Peters, William Lewis, Jonathan Penrose,
Josiah Hewes, I. Wheeler, and Tench Francis. It was their
opening day.
May 7. — My wife, two youngest daughters, and myself drank tea with
my son in-law Cox at his house. Market and Fourth Streets.
May 12, — Breakfasted with General Mifflin, as did Colonel Mentges
and a young Englishman named Lowe, who has been recommended
by General Gates to General Mifflin.
May 22, — ^Abouttwo o'clock Lady Washington came to town, on her
way to New York.
May 25. — Lady Washington and Mrs. Morris set out for New York
to join their consorts.
May 2J. — Joseph Ogden and I went in my chair to Robert Morris's
place, called the Hills, where we valued all the stock and fiutning
utensils for William Crouch, who was formerly overseer, but now
rents the place.
May 2p, — ^Tried two pair of horses in my phaeton — one pair for James
Tilghman, Esq., the other for Mrs. Montgomery.
May JO. — Daniel Rundle, Joseph Ogden, Peter Dehaven, Richard
Humphreys, and myself, a jury on road from Middle Ferry to the
. Darby Road, met on the ground. John Sellers ran two lines, a
straight one, the other with an angle. We agreed to meet on
Monday to determine the course.
June 5. — ^The road jury met, with John Sellers, who run for us another
course. Afterward we went to George and Robert Gray's and had
some punch in the garden.
Jum ij. — ^Went out to Crouch's at the Hills and brought home a
little pig imported by Mr. Morris from the £ast Indies.
II
■*■«!■
154
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
June ^o. — Cut the barley of a single grain planted in my garden last
September and counted the 3neld, 3900 grains. This appears to be
beyond belief, but it is a truth.
Jtdy 7. — Cut the wheat of a single grain planted last September, and
found the yield to be 2816 grains — Cape wheat
July 14. — ^To-night attended the Agricultural Society at Carpenters'
Hall, twelve members present, and produced before the Society the
several sorts of grain I raised in my garden, the product of a single
grain.
August 2p. — Attended the Assembly ; in the afternoon went to Isaac
Warner's Fish House and dined on turtle with Richard Peters,
William Lewis, Reynold Keen, Colonel Patton, J. Wharton, F.
Johnson, William Gray, and others, about thirty in all.
August J I. — ^Twenty-seven members of the House met at Hassell's to
consult about calling a Convention in October to alter our Constitu-
tion.
September ^. — Met the Committee appointed by the House to view
the young mulberry trees which had come up from the seed this
spring, in the Ridge Woods belonging to N. Aspinwall.
September 5. — ^Went to Schuylkill Falls and dined with General
Mifflin, Rev. N. Colin, Richard Peters, William Lewis, A J. Dallas,
Francis Johnson, and James Morris.
September 8, — Met the Committee to consider the petition for and
against dividing Chester County. We gave a hearing to both
parties and then agreed to make a verbal report to the House.
September p. — Robert Lollar was elected by the House Register and
Recorder for the County of Montgomery, vice F. A. Muhlenbei^,
resigned. The House then went into Committee of the Whole,
Mr. Hoge in the chair, to consider the calling of a Convention.
September 75. — ^Attended the Assembly, when the report was adopted
to call a Convention to meet in this city the fourth Tuesday in
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 1 55
November next The petitioners were 10,682 in favor to 556 against
calling it. My man Stephen planted in my Chestnut Street lot
two rows of barley, two of speltz, two of red-bearded wheat, two
of white-bearded wheat, two of red spring wheat, two white
spring wheat, two of common red wheat, and four of Cape
wheat, five g^ins in each row.
September 2$. — ^The bill to divide Chester County was passed — ^the
new part to be called Delaware County.
September 2g. — Had to break&st with me. General Mifflin and Messrs.
Fowler, Atlee, and Davison.
September 30, — ^The House adjourned at noon — ^the members have
been together forty-four days.
October 12. — ^This forenoon five wheelbarrow men were hung for kill-
ing a man in a house on Market Street near Broad.
October 75. — Helped to carry my neighbor, John Luken, to the Friends'
graveyard.
October 21, — In the evening a Miss Brailsford, of South Carolina, was
brought to my house. She was thrown out of her carriage on
Seventh Street and very much injured. Doctors Jones, Rush,
Shippen, Wister, and Dunlap are attending.
October 22, — ^The mother and sister of the injured lady remained at
my house all night About eleven o'clock Dr. Jones ordered her to
be carried to her lodgings, at Hunter's, up Market Street, as they
have no hope of her recovery.
October 2j, — ^This morning I was informed that Miss Brailsford died
last night
October 24. — ^Three of my daughters^ two sons, and myself attended
the burial of Miss Brailsford to the Church ground in Arch Street.
I walked with John Lawrence, and my two sons helped to carry the
coflin.
I
156 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
October 26. — I attended the burial of the wife of Samuel Coates from
northwest comer Front and Walnut Streets to the Friends' ground.
October 28. — Dined with William Lewis, Esq., at southwest comer
Third and Walnut Streets, and the following gentlemen : Richard
Peters, Francis Gumey, Lawrence Seckel, Richard Willing, and
Frank Johnson. After dinner we went to the State House, but
found only thirty-three delegates present.
November 2. — In the afternoon went to the State House. Fifty-five
delegates present, who chose Richard Peters their Speaker, after
which Thomas Mifflin, President of the State, adniinistered to him
three oaths, and then the Speaker qualified the delegates, which,
with each delegate sig^ning his name to each oath, made it late in
the evening before adjournment
November 5. — With Richard Peters and several members of the
Assembly went to David Rittenhouse's and there looked through
his telescope at the sun and observed a black spot on it
November 11. — ^After breakfast attended the Assembly. The election
of President and Vice-President, jointly with the Executive Council,
being in order, Thomas Mifflin and George Ross were unanimously
elected. We then proceeded to the Court House at Second and
Market Streets, where they were proclaimed, and then retumed to
the State House. In the evening fireworks were exhibited opposite
the President's house on Market Street
November /j.— The House elected Christian Febiger Treasurer of
the State, in the place of David Rittenhouse, resigned.
November ij. — ^Attended the funeral of Adam Geyer, but finding he
was to be buried at Kingsessing, could not go, being unprepared
for that distance.
November 24^ — ^This day the Constitutional Convention met here.
The Committee on Message for Council relative to the Health
Officer met at State House, where attended Doctors Jones, Rush,
and Hutchinson. They enlightened the Committee with regard to
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHBIMBR. 1 57
diseases brought here by ships fix>m foreign countries, occasioned
largely by stowing too many passengers in one vessel. They found
on record that in 1729, diere was an alarming sickness here, that in
1762, the yellow fever was in the dty, and that in 1784, only by
the stoppage of a vessel at the Pest House was a second epidemic
averted.
November 26. — Last night a fire broke out in a house next door to the
Bunch of Grapes Tavern, on Third Street, between Market and Arch
Streets; a woman and two children were burned to death.
November 27. — ^Assembly went into Committee of the Whole, Mr.
W3mkoop, in the chair. The amendments to the Constitution of
the United States were under consideration ; the first two articles
postponed, the remaining ten adopted.
November 30. — ^The two articles postponed on 27th inst were 4^&ted
at much length by Messrs. Peters, Rawle, and Kennedy, and again
postponed.
December 10. — ^Went to the State House to listen to the members dis-
cuss the altering and amending the Constitution of the State — the
speakers were James Wilson, William Lewis, David Redick, Addi-
son, William Findlay, and John Smilie.
December 14^ — ^Went with General Miflflin on horseback to Mr. Peters's,
and thence to the General's place, about a mile distant ; crossed the
Schuylkill at Righter's Ferry, and rode to the Falls, where we dined.
Returned to the city about dark.
December ig. — Dined with a number of gentlemen at General Mifflin's,
on Market Street — William Findlay, General Watts, Rev. N. Colin,
Charles Biddle, Dr. Hutchinson, and others.
December 25* — ^Attended Christ Church, with General Mi£9in, George
Ross, General Hand, General Irvine, and I^ans Gra£C of the Con-
vention; the Rev. Dr. Smith preached.
December 26. — Met the German Society at the Lutheran schoolhouse ;
elected Hon. F. A. Muhlenberg president^ and Peter Miller vicer
^
158 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
president About thirty members then went to Lewis Farmer's,
on Market Street, and had supper, which broke up at eleven
o'clock.
Dicefnbtr j/. — ^Attended the Convention. The debate was whether
Senators shall be chosen by the people or by electors, Mr. Wilson
in favor of the people and Hare and Pickering against
^-
1790.
January /. — ^From church went to Reading Howell's, on Fifth Street ;
paid him 7 shillings 6 pence subscription for his map of this State,
which he is now about completing.
January 6, — ^Went to the new Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity,
at comer of Sixth and Spruce Streets, the foundation stone of which
was layed in the summer of 1788. Shortly after being seated a
gentleman came over to me and very politely asked me to take a
pew nearer the altar, and took me to one in which was the Rev. Mr.
Blackweil. When the collection plate was handed around, we put
on a dollar each. In addition to the officiating priests there were
twelve boys and fourteen girls, dressed in white, each with a candle.
I counted ninety- eight candles burning.
January 12, — ^Attended the Agricultural Society at Carpenters* Hall,
seventeen members present. I proposed Abraham Hunt, of Tren-
ton, for membership.
January ij. — Met at Carpenters' Hall, Hon. T. Pickering, S. Miles,
Robert Milligan, and William Rush, a committee of the Agricultural
Society to examine the several claims for premiums of the Society.
January 26. — ^Twenty-one members of the Agricultural Society met
at usual place to taste two parcels of cheese, one from Rhode Island
the other from Massachusetts, the premium of the Society for that
article being claimed. We awarded it to Rhode Island.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 1 59
January 27. — General Mifflin and I went to John Duffield's on Front
Street, and dined with General D. Brodhead, Dr. Glentworth, Dr.
McKnight, of New York, John Taylor, and my son Robert. We
were excellently entertained.
January 28. — Went on horseback to Metz's tavern, a mile below the
city, and dined with Abraham Kintzing, William Rush, William
Jones, Jonathan Penrose, William Trotter, Richard Renshaw, and
others.
January 2g. — Doctor McKnight, of New York, came to see me and
conversed with my wife concerning her health. Doctor Gibson, who
has been attending her, gives us great hopes of her recovery.
February 5. — ^A quorum of members of the Assembly being present,
we met up>stairs in the State House, the Convention being in
session on the first floor. With several members, went to the
burial of Rev. Mr. Duffield, of the Pine Street Meeting — I walked
with Richard Peters.
February /^. — My wife was very ill last night but is somewhat better
to-day. General Mifflin called to see her.
February 21, — Dined with General Mifflin and Anne Powell; Mrs.
Mifflin ill and confined to her room. In the evening attended
the Friends' meeting on Market Street and heard Scott, a New
England man, preach to a full house. He was so much in earnest
that he took off his coat and stood in his waistcoat ; his discourse,
however, was very good.
March ^ — My wife is so ill I did not attend the Assembly this after-
noon. Colonel Pickering drank tea with us.
March 5. — ^Sat up with my wife all last night. This afternoon she be-
came very ill and continued so to ten o'clock, when she became
easier and rested fairly well. My daughter Hannah and I sat up,
one on each side of her bed. Oiir friends are exceedingly kind.
March 6. — Remained at home all day, my wife very low.
,mmm,^^^>immmfmK^>'miam'tmimitmmtdm
l60 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHBIMER.
March J, — ^Sat up with my wife last night Remained in the house
all day. Nurse Elton came to wait on my wife.
March p. — ^Attended within hearing of my wife, who was very low at
three o'clock this morning. In the afternoon she became worse
and at nine o'clock died, aged forty-nine years, nine months, three
days.
March ii, — Snow fourteen inches deep. At five o'clock in the afternoon
I was called to attend the funeral of my wife. My friends advised
me to stay at home, but I had determined to go. President Mifflin
took my arm and walked with me to the grave in Friends' grave-
yard, Fourth and Arch Streets. He likewise returned home with
me, as did the Hon. Richard Peters. My faithful and beloved wife
had a very long illness. It commenced on October 7, 1787, at the
time we visited my farm in New Jersey. She then complained of
a cold, which occasioned her to frequently cough, which gradually
increased to the day of her death.
March 12, — Numbers of my friends called to see me, and Timothy
Matlack remained all day.
March 16. — ^Am not feeling very well and kept my room all day,
Mr. Barge, Peters, Pickering, Gumey, Paul, Vaux, and Rev. Dr.
Smith called to see me.
March 77. — ^At the desire of several of my friends, attended the
Assembly in the forenoon.
March 21. — After church called to see Matthew Clarkson, and was
told he was very ill last night. Mr. Duffield and wife and Mr.
Taylor and wife called to see me.
April 2, — ^Took a ride with General Mifflin to his place at the Falls of
Schuylkill. He ordered his fisherman to give me a fine shad,
which I took home for dinner.
April s, — Started out for an early walk, and as I passed near General
Mifflin's saw a number of people about his door; when on inquiry
was told that a baby wrapped in a blanket was found on the steps.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. l6l
April p. — ^Went to my meadow and from there to the Upper Ferry,
where Joseph Rakestraw and I had some punch. The Hon.
Richard Peters came down the Schuylkill in his boat and
joined us.
April 21, — In the afternoon went to the State House, and from there
the members of Council and eight members of the Assembly,
with our Speaker, Mr. Peters, proceeded to the house of Dr.
Benjamin Franklin, who died last Saturday night, in the eighty-
fifth year of his age. The body was conveyed to Christ Church
ground on Arch Street I never saw so many people attend a
funeral before.
May I J. — ^Dined with General Mifflin and Miss Morris; Mrs. Mifflin
. still very ill. Later visited the lot purchased by the Executive
Council of Colonel Patton, on Walnut Street near the Schuylkill,
on which the Powder house is to be erected.
June 6. — Dined at Mr. Barge's. Perhaps the reader may wonder at
my dining so often with this gentlemen and his wife, and perhaps
some may call it sponging. Thb I abhor, and those who are ac-
quainted with me will not charge me with it. They ask me more'
times than I can accept, and when I do it is for the sake of their
good company. They are growing old — approaching seventy years
— and have no children, are wealthy, very generous, and can well
afford to entertain frequently a few of their select friends, of which
they say I am one.
June 8. — Mr. and Mrs. Barge, my daughters, and self rode out to
Harrowgate, where we drank tea, and then returned by Turner's
Lane.
June lo. — ^Dined at Mr. Barge's with Margaret Chevalier. It was so
cold we had to sit by the fire.
July 2. — ^Went to the funeral of Israel Whelen's daughter at Friends'
ground. Fourth and Arch Streets. Walked with William Gray.
l62 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
Jtdy 7. — ^This morning I applied to Samuel Lewis for a permit to
have Mary Clayton, aged 40 years, buried in Friends' grave-
yard, which he kindly granted after asking me a few questions.
Thomas Fisher also signed it.
July p. — ^Attended the burial of Isaac Melcher (whose body was
brought from his farm in Horsham), at German Reformed ground.
July 10. — ^Took Mr. Barge in my chair, Mrs. Barge, Mrs. Whelen and
the children in light wagon, and drove to the Widow Miller's, eleven
miles, to breakfast. Mr. and Mrs. Barge go to Lancaster, and Mrs.
Whelen and children to her father's, Mr. Downing.
July 77. — ^Attended the commencement at the Hall on Fourth Street,
William Smith, Provost In the afternoon the Indians from the
South, about thirty in number, with Alexander McGilloray, arrived
on their way to New York, to Congress.
July 2j, — Called at General Mifflin's to inquire a:fter his wife, who is
very ill. Breakfasted with the General, the Widow Archer, and
Jonathan Mifflin. Visited Mr. Barge, who has a bad attack of the
gout. In the evening the members of the Assembly from the citj'
met at Mr. Rawle's on public business — ^we remained to supper.
Mr. Lewis did not meet us.
July J/. — Was present at the raising dinner of the high house on the
north side of Market Street, between Fifth and Sixth Streets, belong-
ing to Henry Seckel. A little way below the play-house, a table
100 feet long was prepared, around which collected fully 200
people, who had plenty to eat and drink. I took old Mr. Seckel
home in my chair.
August 7. — Mrs. Mifflin, the wife of Thomas Mifflin, President of this
State, died at nine o'clock a.m., after an illness of six months.
August J. — At nine o'clock my daughter Molly and I went to the
burial of Mrs. Mifflin, from her house in Market Street to the
Friends' ground on Arch Street. Raining at the time.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHBIMER. 163
August 4^ — ^Took Captain Falkner in my chair to the Falls to see
General Mifflin.
August 8. — ^This morning went to the Falls to inform General Mifflin
that Mrs. Talbert with her baby and step-daughter had arrived last
night from Albany^ to visit her sister, Mrs. Mifflin, not knowing of
her death.
August 2j. — John Arndt, member of the State Convention from North-
ampton County, break&sted with me. At ten o'clock attended the
burial of Rev. Mr. Weinberg, pastor of the German Reformed
Church on Race Street for about twenty-seven years.
August 26. — ^Met Messrs. Powell, Coxe, Fisher, Latimer, and Dunlap,
a committee of the City Corporation, to consult about raising funds
to erect the Federal [President's] House.
August 28. — Forenoon attended the Assembly ; in the afternoon Mr.
Barge and I went to the burial of Samuel Nicholas in Friend's
ground, Arch Street.
September 2. — ^Attended the Assembly. At ten o'clock walked in pro-
cession from the State House to the Court House in High Street,
the Corporation, the Convention, the Council, the Assembly and
others, to hear the new Constitution proclaimed. At four o'clock
I dined at the city Tavern with His Excellency the President of the
United States, who arrived to-day from New York.
September j. — Had to breakfast with me Messrs. Wynkoop, Rea, Chap-
man, and Johnson, of the Assembly, and Mr. Findlay of the Con-
vention. Attended the Assembly, which adjourned after appointing
a committee to ascertain whether the new Constitution proclaimed
yesterday dissolves the Assembly.
September 4f. — ^The committee, several judges and gentlemen of law,
agreed that the Assembly was dissolved, and we accordingly dis-
persed.
September 7. — ^The Rev. Mr. Winckhouse was elected pastor of the
German Reformed Church, in the place of the late Mr. Weinberg.
^ w 1 1 1 tm \ im>ft^mmm mii m t ftw t* — ^»^i^" g ' " ' M ' -—
164 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHBIMER.
September /f. — Paid a man half a dollar for putting up the numbers
to my house and lots on Market Street, Nos. 224, 226, I228, and
230.
September 20, — ^Went to the burial of Dr. Gerardus Clarkson, from
his house , on Spruce Street to St Peter's Church yard. I walked
with Philip Benezet
September 22. — ^Visited General Brodhead and drank some old Hock,
a wine I am very fond of. Mr. Tudor, of this city, and Mr. Hors-
field'from Bethlehem called.
September 2j. — My son Robert had to dinner. General Daniel Brod-
head, Thomas Bond, Harry Clymer, Mr. James, an Englishman,
and Mr. Potter. After dinner came in Colonel E. Blaine, Dr.
George Slough, and Richard Peters, Esq.
October 11, — ^Went to the Lutheran Church to hear the new organ,
made by David Tannebei^^er of Lancaster County.
October 16, — ^Went over Schuylkill to Isaac Warner's Fish House and .
dined with^. Morris, Governor of the Company, F. A. Muhlenberg,
Robert Morris, Samuel Powell, Richard Peters, Thomas Willing,
Richard Willing, William Bingham, Francis Gurney, William
Lewis, Tench Francis, and about forty more.
October 24., — After Church General Brodhead went with me in my
chair to General Mifflin's place at the Falls to dinner. There were
present six Seneca Indians, Complanter, Half Town, Great Tree,
John, William, and James Huxhing, also Charles Biddle, Dr.
Gregg, Z. Potts, Thomas Proctor, Dr. William Smith, Mr. Butler,
and three strangers.
October 31, — ^At four o'clock this morning Hare's brew house was
burned — the third time in twelve years.
November 7. — In the afternoon went to the burial of Isaac Penning-
ton, from his house on Carpenter Street to Friends' graveyard on
Arch Street.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 1 65
November p. — ^Went to the burial of Joseph Howell, in Church Alley,
to Friends* ground
November lo. — Planted some of the American Sugar Tree seed given
by Henry Drinker to the Agricultural Society.
November 2j, — ^This forenoon the Honorable, the President of the
United States, George Washington, arrived here from his seat in
Virginia, and proceeded to the house of Robert Morris on Market
Street, provided for him by the city corporation.
November 2g. — ^The Hon. F. Van Borckel came here from New York
and put his five horses in my stable.
*
December 8. — ^The first meeting of the Assembly under the new Con-
stitution was held yesterday. To-day William Bingham Esq. was
chosen Speaker viva voce.
December i8, — Colonel Wadsworth, member of Congress from Con-
necticut, and his daughter, Mr. Trumbull and his daughter, and
Mr. John Trumbull breakfasted with me at my house.
December 27. — ^This evening a member of the German Society waited
on me and informed me that I have been elected their vice-president,
and he was also requested to say, that the members desired that I
would take supper with them. Accepting the invitation, we went
to Geisse's tavern on Third Street between Market and Arch
Streets, where I -met about thirty members, with F. A. Muhlen-
berg, who had been re-elected president
December 31, — Had to breakfast with me William Findlay, Thomas
Lilly, William Macpherson, members of the House, and Michael
Smyser, of the Senate.
tmmimummt^tmmm^m f im m m
^
166 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
1791.
January 8. — ^At 1 1 o'clock, the members of Congress and the Assem-
bly attended a concert in the Lutheran Church, on Fourth Street.
The President of the United States with his lady were present
January 20. — ^Attended the Assembly. The House went into com-
mittee of the whole, Mr. Montgomery in the chair, to discuss the
resolution that our Senators in Congress be instructed to oppose
the Excise Bill now before that body.
January 23. — ^Went to the Falls [Schuylkill] with Governor Mifflin,
and dined with Colonel Gunn, a Senator; General Jackson and
Judge Burke, from Georgia, the two latter members of the House ;
State Senator Joseph Hiester and other gentlemen.
January 24^ — In the afternoon attended the Assembly, and from thence
went to Mr. Henry Hill's on Fourth Street, where we, with George
. Clymer and J. B. Bordley, a committee appointed by the Agricul-
tural Society, reported adversely on the application of an anony-
mous person for the premiums a(^ertised by the society.
January 26. — Met twenty-one members of the Assembly at Gdsse's
tavern, in Third Street, to discuss the subject of dividing the State
into a number of districts for choosing eight members to represent
the State in Congress.
January JO. — ^This afternoon attended the funeral of George Bryan,
Esq., fourth judge of the Supreme Court, with a number of mem-
bers of the Assembly.
February 7. — ^This evening Tench Francis called on me and requested
that I accompany him to the State House (up-stairs) to organize a
society for improving roads and inland navigation. There I met
about twenty gentlemen, with Robert Morris in the chair. We
agreed that a memorial be prepared and a copy sent to the Senate
and House.
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 167
February 11. — Dined with Governor Mifflin, Judge Burke, M. C,
Speaker William Bingham, Francis Gumey and a number of other
gentlemen.
February i6. — General Neville, and Colonel Ritchie took break&st
with me. Attended the Assembly. In the evening met the Agri-
cultural Society, at the new Dancing Academy in Chestnut between
Sixth and Seventh Streets. Jacob Morgan, William Rush, and I
went in the adjoining room and had some punch.
February 26. — Mr. Maclay, and McDowell, of the Assembly, and Mr.
. Barge called to see me. Dr. Jones attended me, as Dr. Kuhn
buried his wife yesterday and could not come. I feel much better
to-day.
March if, — ^The bill granting £4poo for the defence of the frontier,
with the Senate Amendment, was passed.
March 20. — Had to dine with me, Messrs. J. Carson, from Dauphin,
D. Stewart, from Huntington ; O. Gore, from Luzerne and Colonel
John Irvine, of Westmorland.
April p. — Forenoon attended at the State House. By invitation went
to Metz's tavern, below South Street, and there dined with Judge
James Biddle, Daniel Clymer and other gentlemen.
April 12, — ^T^c Hon. Albert Gallatin, took breakfast with me, after
which we attended at the State House.
April ij. — ^The Legislature adjourned to August 23d, next, and I re-
ceived an order for niy attendance as a member of the House for
128 days at 158. per day.
April 21. — Dined at Governor Mifflin's with Mr. Casno, from Holland,
General Brodhead, Colonel R. L. Hooper, Mr. Gallatin, Jonathan
Mifflin, and others ; Colonel Clement Biddle came in afterwards.
May 2^, — ^Went to church ; afterwards in my chair to the Falls, where
I dined at Governor Mifflin's with Miss S. Morris, Ruth Potts, and
two other ladies ; Edward Fox, Colonel Oswald, Dr. Joseph Red-
man, young Mr. McQanahan and my son Robert After dinner
l68 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
drove over to Germantown to L. Stonebumer's, and on my way
home called at Bringhurst's. Between Bringhurst's and Philadel-
phia, I overtook and passed sixteen carriages ; some disputed the
road with me but without success. My horse Camillus did not
choose to swallow the dust of other carriages.
June 2. — Jacob Krug, of Lancaster, breakfasted with me. Dined by
invitation of General Brodhead at Mr. Thompson's Indian Queen
on Fourth Street, with Governor Mifflin, his Secretary, Mr. Dallas,
Francis Johnson, David Kennedy, John Dunlap, James and Charles
Biddle, Sharpe Delaney, and several others.
June /p. — Mr. Barge and I went to the burial of Robert Roberts on
Market Street — ^his death was caused by drinking a draught of cold
w ater while overheated.
Jum 2j. — ^Took Governor Mifflin with me in my chair to his place at
the Falls and had dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Barge, Mr. and Mrs. Otto,
Reuben Haines, Mr. Marbois, a French gentleman, and Israel
Whelen being present
June 2^ — With Captain Hysham went to burial of Dr. Jones, from
Mr. Clark's on Market Street to Friends' ground. Governor Mifflin
called at my house and over-persuaded me to accompany him and
fitmily to Cape Henlopen. About noon we embarked on Captain
Michael Dorson's boat, at Church's Wharf— the Governor, his two
daughters, the widow Ritchie, a litde girl named Maria, and John
Mease's daughter. At 4 o'clock we reached Marcus Hook and
anchored. We discovered that a chicken pie prepared at home for
our dinner had been left behind, which gave rise to many reflections.
At 9 P. M. we proceeded down the river.
June 26. — Below Reedy Island a gust coming on, we returned to the
island and anchored. After the gust we sailed for Port Penn, where
we landed and passed the night at Captain Reed's tavern. We
found the landlady neat and a good housekeeper.
June 27, — ^Wind N. W. ; weighed anchor and proceeded down the bay.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMEIL I69
The weather was squally, and the water so rough, that I was not
able to keep on deck. Near the lighthouse we anchored for the
nighty it being too rough to go on shore.
June 28. — ^All went on shore. The captain walked with us to the
house of Mrs. Fisher, in Pilottown, where we took lodgings. Break-
fested and at 1 1 o'clock I had a drink of good punch which put me to
rights again after three days of sea-sickness. After dinner Samuel
Rowland, who is 72 years old, took the Governor, the four girls
and myself to the seashore, where our captain and his crew met
us, and watched them make four hauls with a seine. We returned
to Mrs. Fisher's, drank tea, and soon after I got into a very clean bed,
and had an excellent night's rest
June 2g, — Early this morning went with two of Mr. Maule's sons to
Lewestown Creek, fishing. After dinner walked to Lewestown and
called on Mrs. Horsman, and drank tea with Colonel Hall and wife
and George Hazard.
June JO. — ^The Governor, Major Mitchell and Daniel Rodney of
Lewes went fishing in Captain Dorson's boat, but the water was so
rough they did not return until late at night — minus any fish. Mr.
Hazard and I, in two chairs, took the ladies a seven mile ride in
the country. Returned to Mrs. Fisher's for dinner, after which I
went to Lewes with Mr. Hazard and drank tea at Colonel Hall's.
July I. — Dined at Daniel Rodney's, after which his younger brother
walked with me to the lighthouse, through the deep sand. This
building is of elegant stonework, almost square, and from the base
to the top, where eight copper lamps hang, is 1 17 steps. The lamps
are lighted every night and consume about sixty gallons of oil a
month. What surprised me was a well fifty feet deep, in a sand
hill, containing clear, cool and excellent water, of which I drank
freely.
July 2. — ^Wind northeast, and cool. The Lewes gentlemen made up
a party to visit Rehoboth Bay, to dine on oysters, which are un-
12 '
I^O DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
commonly large and fine flavor. In addition to the Governor's
party were Mrs. Sykes, her daughter, her husband's sister, Mrs.
Moore, Mrs. Rodney, Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Day, Colonel Hall, Dr. Hall,
Dn Neill, Major Mitchell, Mr. Rodney and George Hazard.
July 3. — ^Wind northeast, and so cold that we put on winter clothing.
The Governor's party with George Hazard visited the seashore,
where Captain Dorson seeing us came ashore, and accopipanied us
to Mrs. Fisher's to dinner.
ft
July 4. — ^Wind northeast and cold ; cannot set out for Philadelphia
tonday. This being Independence Day, the Governor invited
several of the neighbors to dine with him ; after having drank some
wine the conversation turned on the late war.
July 5. — ^The Governor and I breakfasted with Mr. Rowland (a Quaker)
wife and daughter. Besides coffee and tea there was enough food
on the table for six men besides us.
July 6, — ^Wind still northeast and cool. In the aftemoo'n we all
packed up and went aboard our vessel. The wind changing to
west, we set sail for Philadelphia.
July 7. — In the afternoon anchored off a marsh near Cohansey Creek,
when some of us went on shore. The Governor took his gun, but
found no game. At 9 p. m. we got under way, a good south-
westerly wind blowing.
July 8. — ^At seven o'clock this morning we arrived at South Street
wharf.
July ij. — In the afternoon went to the burial of Timothy Matlack's
wife, from his house on Front above Arch Street, to the graveyard
on the west side of Fifth near Spruce Street I walked with
Andrew Geyer.
August 6. — Colonel Wads worth, of Hartford, Connecticut, took break-
&st with me and afterward looked at his lots to the west of Tenth
Street.
DIARY QF JACOB HILTZHBIMBR. 171
August 7. — Mr. Barge and I went to the burial of Amos Foulke — ^a
little rain at the time.
August p. — ^Set out this afternoon for Bethlehem with my daughter
Hannah, where I will leave her at school.
August ij. — ^At 8 o'clock went to church, where my daughter appeared
in the new dress provided for her by the Sisters. Attended a love-
feast in the afternoon, and after the service took leave of my child
in her school room, and then left Bethlehem for Philadelphia.
August 18. — This evening fireworks were exhibited on Market Street,
opposite the door of President Washington.
August 2j. — Received a letter from Mr. Van Vleck, of the school at
Bethlehem, that my daughter desires to return home, which agrees
with one I also received from her.
August 2^. — ^The Assembly met to-day — ^in the forenoon I attended.
August 28. — ^At night a fire broke out in Stable Lane, Spruce between
Second and Third Streets and consumed Richard Wain's stable.
September J, — ^This afternoon went to the President's house on Market
Street and there dined with him and his lady, and four members of
his family, besides the following members of the House : Hon.
William Bingham, Speaker, Messrs. Wells, Gurney, Seckel, from
the city ; Macpherson, Lilly, Gardner, Tyson , Reed, Stewart, Hoge,
Montgomery, Maclay, White, Findlay, Baird, Eyerly, Lerch, Mul-
hoUan, Tannehill, and Peter Lloyd, our clerk. I cannot help
remarking that President Washington is an unassuming, easy and
sociable man, beloved by every person.
September 14^ — In the afternoon Governor MifHin, his two daughters,
my daughter Molly and myself went to Gloucester Point Went
to Hassal^s tavern in the evening, and met the following gentlemen
who are interested in making a turnpike road from the city to
Vanderen's Mill: Robert Morris, Samuel Powell, John Nixon,
William Lewis, Walter Stewart, Rev. William Smith, Mr. Fischer
and Tench Francis. Mr. Morris was chosen chairman, and Messrs.
/
172 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
ft
Smith, Fisher, Francis and myself were appointed a committee to
ascertain the expense of construction.
September 17. — I took Mr. Francis in my chair to view the road, from
Vine Street to Vanderen's Mill, six miles, which it is proposed to
turnpike.
September ig. — Dined with the Hon. William Bingham, as did also a
number of members of the Assembly.
October 5. — ^The Governor called for me and I dined with him, James
and Charles Biddle, John Collins, Ex-Governor Rhode Island, and
Major Struben.
Octobers. — ^After breakfast took a walk with the Governor to Mr.
Rittenhouse's and to view some lots out Market Street Attended
the burial of Adam Cornman, at the Moravian ground on Vine
Street
October 12. — Met the Committee on erection of the house for the use
of the President of the United States, at corner Ninth and Market
Streets.
October 22. — ^Breakfasted with Governor Mifflin at the Falls and from
thence we crossed at Righter's ferry to Jones's Lane on Lancaster
road and to John Sellers's. He returned with us to the Black Horse
where we dined. Returned and nighted with the Governor.
October 25. — At noon President Washington went to the Congress at
comer Chestnut and Sixth Streets, and delivered his address —
yesterday being the first day of meeting of the Second Congress.
October 2^, — Had to breakfast with me Governor Mifflin and Mr.
Coleman and Ege from Lancaster. The Governor and I went in
my chair to the Falls, where we dined. James Biddle called, who
returned home with me.
December j/. — ^General Lincoln, of Massachusetts, breakfasted with
me. In the forenoon attended the Assembly ; in the evening met
the German Society.
T"^"
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 1 73
1792.
January p. — In the forenoon met the Committee on the subject of
dividing the county of Bedford.
January 10. — Attended in House, and met the Committee on Claims.
In the evening went to meeting of the Society of Agriculture.
January //. — Spent the evening at Robert Erwin's with J. Rake-
straw, Tench Francis, John Lawrence, William Jones, and other
friends.
January 75. — Dined at the Falls with the Governor, General Irvine,
Judge Bryson, and Dr. Wilke, from Pittsburgh. The Governor
returned to the city with me in my sleigh.
January ig. — ^Very cold. This afternoon took my three daughters
and son Robert sleighing down to the widow Marshall's at the
Point House.
January 25, — Attended the House. Miers Fisher argued two hours
against the report of the Committee, that the prayer of Thomas
Leiper for a canal on Crum Creek cannot be granted. In the
afternoon R. Wills spoke in favor of the report.
January 26, — ^Took my daughters, Betsey and Hannah, with Mollie
Ogden, in my sleigh and went down to the Point House. From
there we crossed the Delaware on the ice, followed by Colonel
Marsh in his sleigh, and drove to Sparks's tavern, where we had a
quart of hot wine prepared by Betsey Marshall, who accompanied
Colonel Marsh. On our return to the Point House we called for
hot coffee, and here my horses ran off", but were caught without
damaging the sleigh or injuring themselves.
January ^7.— -Leiper's report was again called up in the House, when
Mr. Gallatin argued about an hour in fiivor of it, which he did in a
masterly manner. The report was almost unanimously adopted.
January 28. — ^Took Mr. Gallatin and General- Brodhead in my sleigh
to Metz's and there dined with Robert Erwin, Tench Francis, J.
1/4 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
Rakestraw, William Jones, Andrew Tybout, J. Ash, Donaldson, R.
Haines and Henry Miller.
February 14^ — Dined at the Hon. William Bingham's, in his new well-
furnished house on Third Street near Spruce, with the following
gentlemen : Miers Fisher, B. Morgan, and other members of the
Assembly.
February 20. — Dined at the Governor's on Market Street with F. A.
and Peter Muhlenberg, J. Ross, Edward Bird, T. Craig and others.
March 12. — ^After roll-call, a motion prevailed that the House adjourn
to four p. M., to enable the members to listen to the debate in Con-
gress concerning the disputed election between Generals Wayne and
Jackson of Georgia.
March 21. — ^No quorum present this afternoon, owing to so many of
the members attending the Indian funeral from the Hotel on Chest-
nut Street to the Presbyterian ground on Arch Street
March 27. — ^When I returned home this afternoon, I found Corn-
planter's son. Jack, and other Indians at my house, who called to
see me.
March 28, — Dined with the Hon. William Bingham and a number of
members of the Assembly.
March j/. — ^Attended at the State House. Finished with the bill for
the turnpike between Philadelphia and Lancaster. Had to break-
fast John Sellers and H. Lloyd from Delaware County.
April 4^ — Breakfasted with the Governor and so did Richard Wills,
Francis Gumey, Joseph Rakestraw and General Irvine, after which
we all went to the lot recently purchased at the comer of Ninth and
Market Streets, on which to erect a house for the President
April 10. — The Governor, Mr. Wills, Mr. Gurney, Rakestraw, Wil-
liams and myself went to the corner of Market and Ninth Streets,
to select the site for the President's house and at the same time to
notify the tenants to move immediately, as they had been warned
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHBIMER. 1/5
some time ago. In the afternoon attended at the State House,
when both houses adjourned, after sitting 127 days.
April 12. — ^Am troubled with a swollen &ce. In the afternoon had
James Pearson, Thomas Nevell and W. Matiack regulate the lot
at Ninth and Market Streets, Mr. Wills, Mr. Gumey, J. Rakestraw,
and Williams present.
April 75. — Dined with Mr. Barge, as did Michael Keppele and Mr.
Wddman. After dinner Mr. Barge and I took a ride to Gravel
Hill.
April ly, — ^Andrew Clymer began to dig a cellar for the frame house
General Brodhead is going to put up on Market Street
April 18. — ^This afternoon Edward Wills and I attended the burial of
the wife of B. Scull on Market Street
April 79. — Set Michael Hogan, laborer, at work to take up a fence at
the comer of Ninth and Market Streets, at £^ ids. per mpnth.
April 20, — Attended at the President's house lot, and in the afternoon
Mr. Barge and I went to Hoppel's, in Camptown, to see the large
beef of Lawrence Seckel — ^live weight 2380 pounds, dressed 1494
pounds.
April 21, — My son Thomas had to dine at my house, Hon. Richard
Peters, F. Johnson, Daniel Brodhead, Doctor Slough, Jacob Barge
and Jacob Cox. After dinner, Francis Gumey, J. Rakestraw, and
I staked off the cellar for the President's house.
April 23. — ^This morning set Michael Wartman digging and hauling
the dirt out of the cellar for the President's house.
April 24., — ^With Mr. Barge went to the burial of Mr. Robson, a gen-
tieman from Virginia, who was buried in the graveyard at the old
chapel.
April 26. — Engaged Jacob Meyer to work at the President's house at
£6 per month.
176 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
April 28. — ^Took Mr. Stonebumer in my chair to Robert Morris's stone
quarry, to look at the stone.
April 2^, — ^Went to Gravel Hill before breakfitst. Dined at Mr. Barge's
with Michael and Henry Keppele. Went to Church in the afternoon.
April 30. — ^Set out for Trenton to meet, according to appointment,
Timothy Baker. Visited my friend Abraham Hunt there.
May /. — Mr. Baker did not bring the whole amount of money and
therefore ijXA not give him the deed for the farm I sold him some
time ago.
May 2. — Breakfasted with Mr. Hunt and then set out for home. Came
down the west side of the river to Thomas Richie's. Stopped at
the sign of General Washington, where Colonel Lambert Cad-
walader overtook us and all dined together. Arrived at my house
about 7 o'clock.
May 5. — My two men, Stephen and James, took my big steer to Mr.
Penrose's hay scales, where it weighed 2104 lbs. We went to the
ferry and drank coffee with George Emlen, R. Rundle, Mr. Clay,
and Mr. Cox.
May 7. — ^At eight o'clock met at the President's house lot the Governor,
Mr. Wills, Mr. Gumey, Mr. Rakestraw, and Taylor. Mr. Gumey,
Taylor, and myself went to Morris's stone quarry to inspect the
stone we are to use in the building.
May 10, — This afternoon Benjamin Taylor, mason, set the comer
stone of the President's house. Governor Mifflin arranged it and
gave the stone a stroke with the mason's hammer, and directed the
hammer be put in the stone. Richard Wills, Francis Gurney, and
myself, the three Commissioners, each gave the stone a knock. The
Governor ordered sixteen dollars worth of drink, with bread and
cheese, for the people present.
May 14., — ^Attended the public works. Colonel Williams and I went
over Schuylkill to see William Hamilton, but did not find him at
home.
DTARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. I//
May i6. — In the morning attended at the President's house, and in
the afternoon went down to Metz's tavern and there dined with
William Jones, who gave the dinner on account of the bricklayers
raising his house on the south side of Market Street near Fifth,
intended for his son Robert. The following gentlemen were present :
R. Keen, Francis Johnson, James Ash, Israel Whelen, Colonel
Williams, William Hall, William Gray, Joseph Gray, B. Scull,
William SheaiT, Hugh Roberts, Nathan Boys and others. Colonel
Williams and I left before dark and went to the building of the
President's house.
May iS. — ^Attended at the President's house. Colonel Williams and
I went up town for timber and bought a load of stone of Conrad
Ott at 6s. 6 d. per perch.
May 21. — ^B. Taylor and I went to Robert Morris's stone quarry to
select some particular stone for the President's house.
May 22. — ^Attended at the works. Went to Governor Mifflin's at the
Falls, dined with him 2ind SusannaMjjuxis and Blair McClanachen.
May 2^ — ^Attended at the public works. Colonel Gumey, R. Wells
and I went to Miller's to engage stone-cutters.
May 2S- — Colonel Gurney and I went in my chair to David Rose's
brick-kiln and agreed with him to deliver common brick at 32 s. 6 d.
per 1000 ; stock brick at lOO s. per 1000, for the President's house.
From there we went down to Colonel Williams's, at comer of Second
and South Streets, and drank punch with him. He was married last
night In the evening went to the ferry and met Mayor Clarkson '^
and R. Keen.
May 26. — ^Attended at the works. B. Taylor and I went in my chair
to Ott's and bought stone; from thence to Robert Morris's quarry
on the Schuylkill. Dined at old Mr. Robert Erwin's with R.
Keen, John Baker, Israel Whelen, Edward Wells, William Gray,
Charles Jervis and Andrew Tybout.
178 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIIfER.
May pp. — Went to Morris's quarry and ordered more stone. G>lonel
Gurney and I went to Reynolds's brick }rard and agreed with him to
deliver at the President's house, as wanted, 20,000 stock bricks at
£^ per 1000, and 400,000 common at 32s. 6d.
May 31. — ^Went to the quarry for more stone. My man Stephen and
the President's man took three of his horses down to my meadow.
June /. — ^Took Colonel Williams in my chair to the works and then
called to see Colonel Gurney, who was taken ill yesterday.
June 6, — Early this morning took the Governor's daughter Fanny in
my chair and drove to the Falls to break&st The Governor with
his daughter Emily set out for Black Point.
Jupie 7. — ^Went with Colonel Williams to John Reynold's and Alex-
ander Miller's brick yards and bespoke a particular kind of brick
for the President's house.
June 8. — My daughter Molly with Mr. Simons set out for New York
in the stage.
June 1$. — ^After breakfast the Governor and I, in my chair, visited
several places, and afterwards drove to the Falls.
June 16, — My men hauled in the hay at Gravel Hill, and from thence
I drove to George Ogden's at the upper ferry, and had some good
punch.
June /p. — Breakfasted with the Grovemor, attended at the President's
house and at noon Mr. Barge and I drove to the Governor's, at the
Falls, where we dined.
June 2^ — Went to church twice. Dined at Mr. Barge's with Michael
Keppele, after which I gave my daughter Betsey and my grandson
a ride.
June 28, — ^William Jones, Hutchinson, and myself dined at the Widow
Marshall's, at the ferry.
Jufu 2p, — Mr. Barge went with me in my chair to Governor Mifflin's,
at the Falls, where we dined with Mrs. Barge, Miss Rebecca Cox»
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMBR. I79
my two daughters, Jacob Cox and wife, General Brodhead, Joseph
Rakestraw, William Williams, Colonel Gurney, Robert Crozier, and
my son Robert
July I, — ^Very warm. Before breakfast took a ride along the banks
of the Schuylkill. Went to church and then dined with Mr. Barge.
In the evening Mr. Barge and I in my chair. General Brodhead and
a young man in his chair, drove to Breton's tavern on the Schuyl-
kill, where we had some punch and wine.
/
July 2, — ^The carpenters are putting down the floor in the President's
house.
July 4. — ^At noon went to the President's house and opened it to
allow the gentlemen of the artillery to go in out of the rain, until
they fired the salute of fifteen guns in honor of Independence day.
Dined at home.
July 7. — ^Attended at the President's house and at six o'clock p. M.,
the carpenters, bricklayers, and stone-cutters were treated to a
round of beef, ham, and punch, to celebrate the putting down of
the first floor.
July 8. — Dined with Mr. Barge, after which, we drove down to Geoi^e
Weed's at Gray's Ferry and had some punch, and from thence to
the Irish track Lane and home.
July p. — ^Attended at the President's house. In the evening drove
down to my meadow and to the ferry house, where I met the Gov-
ernor and his daughters.
July //. — ^The Governor and I in my chair drove to the Swedish
Church to see the Rev. N. Collin. The President and his family
set out on their journey.
July /J. — Breakfasted with the Governor and afterwards took him in
my chair to several places where he had b\isiness. In the evening
drove with Mr. Barge to my meadow and the ferry, where we met
Colonel Gurney and Mr. Smith with his family.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
n
July 14^ — Owing to the rain on the 4th inst., the fireworks were ex-
hibited to-night at the Potter's Field.
July 75. — Mr. Barge and I drove to Hesser's tavern and had some
punch. On our way home we met Mr. Stonebumer and family
returning from White Marsh Church, where Bishop White preached,
who insisted on our going home with them to dinner.
July 20. — Drove down to Mrs. Marshall's, where Colonel Gumey met
me and we had breakfast We took Betsey Marshall and Ann
Rowan with us, crossed the river to John Marshall's, ten miles, and
directed him to send up the scaffold poles for the President's house.
Dined in Haines's tavern in Woodbury, and arrived home at three
o'clock.
July J/. — Attended at the building. Dined in town with the Grovemor,
after which we went in my chair to his place at the Falls.
August J. — Attended at the building. In the afternoon the Grovemor
and his daughter, Emily, in his chair, Mr. Barge with me in mine,
went to the Point House where we had coffee. Jonathan Penrose
and wife joined us at the table.
August 7. — B. Taylor and I went to Ross's brick yard, concerning the
stock bricks for the front of the President's house. In the evening
drove to Point House, where I took a swim.
August 8. — ^Attended at the President's house. Dined at Mr. Barge's
with the following gentlemen from Lancaster : General Hand, Adam
Reigart, Andrew Graff, Abraham Witmer, and Thomas Boude.
August p. — Had to breakfast with me Adam Reigart, Andrew Graff,
Abraham Witmer, and Thomas Boude. At eight o'clock set out
for Chester with Mr. Barge, Mrs. Grim from New York, and my
three daughters, in a hired carriage.
August II. — ^This morning went to D. Ross's brick yard with B.
Taylor ; afterwards with Colonel Williams to the old fort near the
Swedish Church, after scaffold poles. Lost my pocket book with
$3S in it
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMEfL l8l
August 1$, — ^After breakiast set out for the seashore with Governor
Mifflin and his two daughters with their maid. Dined at Bristol,
where the Governor sent back his hired carriage — ^he took one of
his daughters in his chair, and I took the other witli her maid in
mine. We nighted at Douglas's Tavern in Crosswix.
August i6. — ^We left Crosswixafterbreakfastfor Monmouth, where we
dined ; and from thence to Shaffto's, at the seashore, where the
Governor took lodgings. I went to Chantlers and Harbert
August I J. — Spent the day about my lodgings, and went twice into the
salt water.
August i8, — Bathed twice to-day. I went in my chair over to the
Hon. William Bingham-s place to dinner (twelve miles) by invita-
tion of Mrs. Bingham, who received me very kindly and made much
of me. Mr. Bingham had not arrived from Philadelphia, but was
expected hourly.
August ig, — ^The Governor came and dined with me — there were
fourteen gentlemen at the table. After dinner we went to Green's,
where Colonel Febiger, Mrs. Butler and John Wharton board, and
where the Governor's daughters dined.
August 20. — William Jones and I went to where the Governor boards
and breakfasted with him, after which we started for home. We
dined at Monmouth, with Colonel Febiger and family, Mrs. Butler,
Mrs. Duncan, and John Whartpn. We all nighted at Douglas's in
Crosswix, where we met Samuel Morris . Andrew Tybout, Joseph
Donaldson, and Peter Brown, who set out for Trenton.
August 21. — ^After breakfast we set out for Bordentown, and from
thence to Burlington, and dined at Hogland's. Crossed the ferry
and drank coffee at the Sign, of General Washington, and arrived
home at 7.30 p.m. — two light wagons, three chairs and two servants
. on horseback. I led the way with my gray horse, CamiUus.
August 22, — Attended at the President's house ; dined with Governor
Mifflin, and accompanied him to the Falls.
rt*«i»«ir>
iix^i I* irfcui
182 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMBR.
August 24^ — ^The Governor and I in my chair went to several places
about the city, and to D. Ross's brick ]^rd. William Jones and I
went to the Governor's place at the Falls, and there dined with
Colonel Febiger and wife, General Butler's widow, Mrs. Duncan and
John Wharton.
August 26. — Before breakfast took my daughter in chair to meadows
and ferry house, and while we were there the chimney took fire.
We stopped the flames before any damage was done to the house.
Went to church twice, and gave my grandson a short ride.
August 28. — ^This afternoon the Governor and I in my chair went
down to Gloucester Point gunning. Drank coffee at Mrs.
Marshall's.
August jq. — Break&sted with Governor MifHin and Colonel William
Williams. In the afternoon the Governor and I went down to
Gloucester Point gunning.
August ji. — At eleven o'clock I met at Robert Erwin's the following
gentlemen, a jury of valuation : Joseph Rakestraw, John Wharton,
William Van Phul, William SheaflT, John Harrison, Henry Keppele,
Benjamin Davis, William Gray, Joseph Ogden, Peter Baynton and
William Kinley. We valued for the Honorable Richard Peters
132 feet of ground where Mr. A. Markoe's house stands, in Market
Street, 306 feet deep, ;f3i50, which sum the State is to pay Mr.
Peters in place of the lot the State sold, and likewise ;^220 for a
thirty-three feet lot at the southeast comer of Market and Seventh
Street from Schuylkill, and 306 feet deep. The gentlemen chose
me their foreman.
Septemberi. — Before break&st took Susanna Morri s from Ann Pow-
ell's, in my chair, up to General Mifflin's place at the Falls.
September 5. — Mr. Mayo from Virginia breakfasted with me. Dined
with the Governor and Reuben Haines.
September 7. — ^This afternoon gave the carpenters at work on the
v^^m/'^^^^F^^mfm
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 1 83
President's house a lunch, on account of their putting down the
second floor.
September 12. — Colonel Gurney and I went in my chair to the stone^
cutter's and to Ross's brick yard and notified them to attend at the
President's house at twelve o'clock. Dined at Mr. Barge's with
Peter Wager and wife, John Hubley,from Lancaster; Mr.Strepper,
from New York ; Mr. Bartow and Michael Keppele.
September 16. — ^Before breakfast Jacob Cox and wife drove to Glouces-
ter Point with me. Went to church. I was informed that John Penn,
ex-Governor, and his brother-in-law, Andrew Allen, arrived last
night from England.
September 22. — ^Attended at the President's house. Dined at Jacob
Meyers's on turtle soup, with Colonel William Williams, Joseph
Rakestraw, William Jones, Jacob Barge, and Edward Laskey.
September 2j. — Had my boy, Franz Peter Keaman bound by Colonel
Lewis Farmer for four years and seven months, for which time I
paid Mr. Bohlen ;f20 2s. od. Met the officers of the German
Society.
September 30, — ^Went to church, after which Mr. Barge and I went to
the Falls and dined with the Governor, Generals Harmer and
Brodhead, Mr. Holker, Dr. Wilkey, a captain of the Federal army
and Mr. Dallas.
Octobers. — ^Visited the President's house. Dined with Mr. Barge and
so did F. A. Muhlenberg and Mr. Weidman. In the afternoon
Colonel Gurney and I went to John Reynolds's brick yard and
ordered more bricks, and from thence to the meadow to feed my ox,
when Colonel Pickering with two friends from New England came
to see my cattle.
October II. — ^This afternoon Mr. Ebert and wife and Mr. Levering
and wife, from Bethlehem, drank tea with us. My daughter Betsey
returned from New York where she has been visiting over a. week.
1 84 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
October ig, — Dined at the Governor's with the Lancaster turnpike
Commissioners, General Hand, Adam Reigert, Andrew Graff, Jacob
Graff, A. Witmer and Thomas Boude, and Philip Wager and Cap-
tain Falkner, of this city.
October 25. — More bricks are needed for the President's house. Had
a beefsteak dressed at the comer of Market and Ninth Streets, and
supped with Mayor Matthew Clarkson, Tench Francis, Judge J.
Biddle, Colonel Williams, Joseph Rakestraw and William Jones.
October 27. — Went to the President's house before breakfast. Set out
for Trenton and arrived at Abraham Hunt's before sunset At
night my son Thomas was married to Miss Emley, a niece of Mr.
Hunt's, by the Rev. Mr. Frazer ; after the ceremony the company
partook of a bountiful supper.
October 28. — ^Wilson and John Hunt, sons of Abraham, came with me
to Philadelphia. At the sign of General Washington, dined with a
Congressman from South Carolina, returning from a visit to Boston.
November 2. — Attended at the President's house, and toward evening
we had a cut of beef and some punch on account of the car-
penters finishing the third floor. Richard Wills, Colonel W.
Williams, Joseph Rakestraw, E. Taylor, and William Preston
were present. The journeymen carpenters had their lunch at
their workshop.
November j. — ^Took Mr. Dallas, the Governor's secretary, in my chair
and drove down to the sign of the Buck, to view the road laid out
from Bracton's gate across the fields to the road leading to State
Island ferry, which new road meets the road at Simes's place, a
little below King's, now Abraham Kintzing's. After our view we
retuned to the Buck tavern, kept by Daniel Burchart, and had
a cut of a round of beef and some punch. The Governor, Mr.
Dallas, and I came home, and I dined with the former, as did
Colonel Mentges.
November 6. — ^Attended at the President's house. About noon fifteen
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHBIMER. 1 8$
guns were fired at comer of Ninth and Market Streets, because
the President delivered his address to Congress, which met
yesterday.
November ij, — My son Thomas and his wife, from Trenton, came to
visit me.
November /f. — I had to dine with me General Brodhead, Mr. and
Mrs. Barge, Mr. and Mrs. Simons, Jacob Cox and wife, Moses
Cox and daughter, Rebecca Hunt, Pearson Hunt and wife, Wilson
Hunt ; and after dinner Colonel Francis Gumey, Colonel William
Williams, John Connelly, Mayor Clarkson, Judge James Biddle,
Miss De Hart, Miss Spencer, Joseph Rakestraw, Michael Keppele,
and William Jones. My friends called it a wedding supper for
my son and his wife.
November i8. — Dined at Mr. Barge's with Michael Keppele, and in
the afternoon went with Mr. Swanwick to the German Catholic
chapel at the northwest comer Sixth and Spruce Streets. After
the service I took a walk with Joseph Cowperthwaite, James Ash,
and Captain Craig.
November 2^. — ^Attended at the President's house. The carpenters
began putting on the fourth floor, and we had for them a cut of
beef and some punch.
December /. — ^The carpenters put on the fourth floor and some
rafters at the President's house. We had about one hundred
and eighty people at the raising supper, with Mayor Clarkson,
Judge James Biddle, Gunning Bedford, and Richard Wills.
December 3. — Spent part of the afternoon with, the Governor, Albert
Gallatin, Mr. Terrance, Mr. Bradford, Mr. Smilie, Secretary Dallas,
and Colonel Gumey at the President's house* Went to the play
with my daughters.
December ^. — Had to break&st with me. Colonel Wads worth, Mr.
Gallatin, Mr. Bradford. Went to the State House ; forty members
present, and adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
»3
1 86 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
.k
December 5. — ^Went to the State House, and Gerardus Wynkoop was
chosen Speaker. Attended at the President's house.
December 7. — ^Went to my meadow, spent an hour at the President's
house and from thence to the State House. Dined with Mr. Barge
and Michael Keppele at the house of the latter's mother, comer of
Fourth and Arch Streets.
December 12, — Dined at the Governor's with Messrs. Smith, and Smilie,
State Senators ; Gerardus Wynkoop, Powers, Morton, Rhea, Gal-
latin, and Oliver, of the House ; A. J. Dallas, Colonel Febiger, Dr.
Hutchinson, and Mr. Swift.
December 14.. — ^Attended at the House. The matter of electing a
United States Senator came up, Mr. Hare in the chair. Debated
until two o'clock; Messrs. Morgan, Forrest, and Evans for a
concurrent vote; Mr. Swanwick and Gallatin for a joint vote.
Mr. Gallatin's argument was very forcible, and I think will pre-
vail, as it did last year. In the afternoon attended at the President's
house.
December 15, — ^Attended in my place in the House. It was ordered
that a committee be appointed to bring in a bill to elect a Senator
by a joint vote of both Houses.
December 18, — ^The DauphinlCounty contested election case was the
order for the day. Mr. Brown the sitting member, Mr. King the
contestant. The House proceeded to the election of a committee',
as the law directs. Firsts all the members present were called and
their names put down. Second^ their names on a small piece of
paper were rolled up and put in a box, shut up and shaken. Then
the Clerk took them out one by one and put them into three boxes
alternately, then shook each box, then took them out one by one
alternately and handed them to the Speaker, who read them aloud
and asked the parties, Mr. Brown, sitting member, and Mr. Potts,
acting for Mr. King, if they had any objections to the number just
called, and repeated the same until seventeen names were drawn.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 18/
No objections were made to any of the names. The Clerk then
proceeded to take the remaining names out of the boxes and handed
them to the Speaker, to see that no member had absented himself
since the beginning of the investigation. Then the first drawn
seventeen members was handed to each party, and a member ap-
pointed Mr. Forrest, when he and the parties withdrew into the
Committee room, and each party struck off of the list four mem-
bers, which reduced the committee to nine members, who were
sworn by the Speaker, that they will faithfully and truly try the
contested election between Mr. Brown and Mr. King, according to
the evidence.
December 20. — In the afternoon attended at the President's house,
when the committee appointed by the House came to inspect the
building, to report how much money will be needed to complete it.
December 21. — ^Attended the House. Messrs. Paul, Chapman, Eyerly,
Gallatin, Potts and Oliver, a committee appointed, visited the Hos-
pitail, and found it neat and clean in every department, much to
their satisfaction. The managers present were Mr. Hewes, S.
Coates, B. Wister, Mr. Barnes, Mr. McMurtrie, Mr. Perot, and Dr.
Hutchinson.
December 25, — Break&sted at the Point House, and afterward William
Jones assisted me in calculating the number of bricks Alexander
Miller delivered at the President's house.
December 26. — ^At one o'clock sixteen Indians and three squaws ar-
rived from the westward and were received by the firing of cannon
at the comer of Ninth and Market Streets. At eight o'clock p. m .
went to H. Eppele's on Race Street and supped with fifty members
of the German Society.
1 88 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
1703.
January 2. — ^After the House adjourned, I went to hear the members
of Congress debate on the question of reducing the expenses of
the War Department.
January 6. — ^William Jones and I finished the account of bricks
delivered at the President's house: John Reynolds, 549,150; Alex-
ander Miller, 446,400; David Ross's account is unfinished.
January 8. — No frost in the ground ; saw a man plowing yesterday
and to-day. In the evening the Committee of the House met the
Mayor and Aldermen at the Court House, comer Fifth and Chestnut
Streets, with regard to alterations in the incorporation act
January p. — ^With three of my daughters and some of their friends,
went on the roof of the small building Southwest comer Ninth
and Market Streets and saw Mr. Blanchard take his aerial flight out
of the prison yard. Cannon fired from daylight to the time of his
departure, between ten and eleven o'clock A. m. In the evening I
was informed that he landed a few miles from Woodbury, forty-six
minutes after ascending. ., ^- _ ,^. ^ ^ ^^
January is* — At one o'clock the doors of the new play house at
Northwest comer Sixth and Chestnut Streets were opened to
receive the Govemor and Legislature, and we found the beautiful
building nearly ready for performances.
January /p. — Colonel Wadsworth break&sted with me. Dined with
the President of the United States on Market Street, with our
Speaker and eighteen members of the House. I cannot help re-
marking the ease and great sociability shown to all by the Presic^nt.
February p. — Dennis Whelen, Esq., took breakfast with me. Dined
with Samuel Powell, Speaker of the Senate, and Messrs. Hoge,
Montgomery, Hanna, Smith, Hiester, Eddie, Thomas, Scott, Gal-
latin, Evans, Johns, Shoemaker, Postmaster-General Pickering,
> » i H ^ I
^nmtt0^Jk^
■MMA*^i|ll«l^
nvfi^^MMkkifc
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
189
4
t
Treasurer Febiger, Alderman Hillary Baker, and William Findlay,
M.C.
February 10. — ^John Hannum, of Chester County, breakfasted with
me. Dined with Mr. Barge, and afterwards attended the funeral of
the wife of William Standley. Walked with Israel Whelen.
February 14., — ^The report relating to the State Bank and Loan Office
was debated the whole forenoon. Dined at the Governor's with
Messrs. Brown, Hanna, Gardner, Hockley, Cannon, Kemmerer,
Will, Falkner, Benezet, and Willets. After dinner William Jones
and I took a sleigh ride.
February 75. — Had to breakfast with me Mr. Brown, Hanna, Stewart,
Turner and Gardner. Went to the State House, and the State Bank
report came up again. After a long debate the vote was taken, 43
for the bank, 19 against it.
February jp. — ^Attended the State House. Dined at the Governor's
with General Irvine, M. Slough, Abraham Witmer, J. Fisher, Messrs.
Stokley, Allen, Williamson and Ellicot
February 21. — ^The report of the Committee on Ways and Means was
read a second time, which among other things provides ;^5000 to
finish the Presidents house. Mr. Gallatin made a motion to strike
out that item and to insert, " to sell the house and lot in its present
state." This unreasonable motion did not prevail, and\;C2500 were
added to the ^^5000.
February 26. — ^After dinner walked down toward the President's house,
when the Governor called me into his house, where I found about
eight gentlemen of my acquaintance drinking wine. The Gov-
ernor and D. Bradford came home with me and drank coffee.
February 28. — ^Attended at the State House. At high noon the mem-
bers of the House met the Senate, when both elected Albert Gal-
latin, by 45 vot^. United States Senator. Henry Miller received 35,
and General St Clair and General William Irvine each one vote.
190 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
March is> — ^Attended at the State House. Mr. Swanwick brought
the news that the King of France was beheaded, Januaiy 21st last
March 16. — Mrs. Matthew Clarkson visited my family and I took her
home in the evening. Stayed to supper with Mr. Clarkson and
their youngest son.
March 24^ — Benjamin R. Morgan and I went to Colonel Forrest's in
Germantown, and dined with Colonel Lutz, Mr. Grosskop^ Stone-
burner, Dr. Leib and his brother, and Mr. Budd.
April 2, — ^John Swanwick, Jacob Morgan, and Charles Biddle were
elected by the House directors of the Bank of Pennsylvania, and
Kearney Wharton, Samuel Fox, and William Miller by the Senate.
April 5. — ^The Report of the Ways and Means Committee was debated.
Mr. Gallatin spoke for near three hours against the item relating to
the Comptroller General. The next House will miss him very
much, as he will take his seat in the Senate of the United States
at their next meeting.
April 7. — Dined at the Barge's with Michael Keppele and young
Sergeant Received news that. war was actually declared between
France and England.
April II. — ^Attended at the State House twice ; the House adjourned
to August 27th next, after being in session one hundred and twenty-
nine days.
April 17, — ^John Hubley, Mr. Barge and I breakfasted at the Governor's
house with his daughter Fanny ; he was taken ill during the night
and could not come into the city this morning. In the afternoon
went to the corner of Market and Thirteenth Streets to see Mr.
Ricketts perform some extraordinary feats of horsemanship. We
paid one dollar each.
April /p. — Had to breakfast with me Lewis Farmer, and George
Frey from Middletown. The President's mare was taken to my
meadow.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMEIL I9I
April 24^ — ^Before breakfast my son William and daughter Hannah
took a ride in chair; after dinner Mr. and Mrs. Barge and my three
daughters went to Rickett's circus. General Washington and
fiunily were present
April 30 — ^Took two men down to the meadow to repair fence and
gate-posts, and while there President Washington came to see his
mare. Went to buy some wood, but found none at the wharves.
May /. — ^Dined with Mr. Barge, after which we drove to Gravel Hill
and the Point House, to see the French man-of-war come up the
Delaware.
May 2. — ^Went down to the old fort this afternoon, and as the French
frigrate passed they fired fifteen guns; our people fired the same
number at Market Street wharf.
May ^ — Allen McLane took breakfast with me. Drove to the
meadow and found that the President's mare had been taken away
and his two horses left in her place.
May 8. — Sent two men with my large ox, five years and nearly five
months old, to Penrose's, and he weighed 2576 pounds, which is
220 pounds more than this date last year.
May 21. — Waited on Mrs. Horry agreeably to a letter received yes-
terday from her brother Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, of Charleston,
S. C, concerning a pair of horses.
May 2j, — In the afternoon met R. Wills and Francis Gurney, Com-
missioners of the President's house, Mr. Williams and Mr. Rake-
straw, carpenters, and William Preston, bricklayer. Although we
have but £^00 in our hands, we concluded to go on with the
buildingi run up the chimneys, and finish covering the roo£
^^7 J^-'^Visited the £etrm of William West, in Delaware countjr, and
dined with his &mily. He showed me his new bam, and his fields
of clover, which are very fine. On my return home stopped to
see Richard Willing.
192 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
*
June 20. — Mr. Barge and I attended the burial of William Jones's wife
in Friends' ground.
June 2$, — Dined at Mr. Barge's with Mr. Oster, French Consul at
Richmond^ and Mr. Bohlen, of this city.
June 28, — ^Tench Francis and I went to see Robert Erwin, who is
very ill, and to Robert Morris's place to see the people at work on
the canal.
June JO. — ^Joseph Wharton informed me of the death of Robert Erwin
this afternoon.
July /. — ^Went to the burial of Robert Erwin from his house on Sixth
Street to Christ Church yard on Second street, where he was laid
alongside of his wife. I walked with Mr. Barge and my sons
Robert and Thomas.
July 4. — ^Breakfitsted at the Governor's with Mr. Barge and his friend
Bemhard, of Easton, Mr. Bird and Mr. Wright Dined at Mr.
Barge's, and drank the following toasts: ''The Fourth of July,
1776;" "the President;" "the Governor." At night, with my
daughters and friends, viewed the fireworks on Market Street from
the roof of the President's house kitchen.
July ij. — As Mr. Barge and I were going to the meadow we were
called in to Charles Jarvis's place by Colonel Williams and Captain
Boys to drink punch. Afterward we went to see Mr. Ricketts ride,
an<i saw there the President and his lady.
July 20. — Mr. Barge and I called at C. Jarvis's place and dined under
the trees with Colonel Williams, Nathan Boys, J. Commons, Dr.
Hutchinson, N. Handlin, Harrison, Dr. B. Duffield, Hill, Brown and
others.
July 24, — ^At ten o'clock set out in the Bethlehem stage with Moses
Cox and daughter, Mrs. William Simmons, and my two daughters ;
Dr. Redman and daughter we took up at Turner's Lane. Dined
at Morris's, stopped at Craig's, and at Rothrock's nighted.
DIART OP JACOB HILTZHEIMBR. I93
July 2$. — Left Rothrock's and proceeded to Brown's to breakfast
Arrived at Bethlehem after twelve o'clock and dined at the Sun Inn.
F. Beutel» the farmer of the Moravian estates, called to see me and
we walked over some of the farms, the care of which he has had
since 1788.
Jtdy 26. — ^To-day we visited the Girls' school, Sisters' House and
other buildings, and at night went to the place of worship.
July 27. — Rode to Easton to break&st, visited John Bemet's mill on
the Bushkill, built by Evans of the Brand3rwine Mills, thence to
Nazareth to dinner and then returned to Bethlehem.
July 28. — ^Went to church three times ; Mr. Van Vleck preached in *
English, Mr. Klingsohr in German. Bishop Ettwein called to see
me at the Tavern.
July 2g. — Left Bethlehem early in the morning and reached my house
at 8.30 p. M., without a change of horses.
August /. — ^This afternoon Matthew Clarkson and I took a ride in my
chair to Robert Morris's place to see Arthur Donaldson at work
on the canal. Afterwards called at George Ogden's ferry and had
punch.
August 7. — Mr. and Mrs. Barge breakfasted with me, after which I
took them with my daughter Hannah, ten miles up the Lancaster
road to the Widow Miller's, to see the new turnpike, about a mile
of which is laid. It is twenty-four feet wide and covered with small
broken stones eighteen inches in depth. Philip Sheapp is superin-
tendent Tench Francis drove out to meet us and at four o'clock
we set out for home.
*
August p. — ^With my daughter Hannah visited the Governor and ]
drank tea with Miss S.Morris. The Governor, Miss Morris, and i
A. Powell will set out for Black Point to-morrow. i
August 7^.7-Had to breakfast with me, Hon. Albert Gallatin, United
States Senator elect. Dined with Mr. Barge.
mi^^f^^^*
mmim^immmmmumpm^^itm
194
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
August 75.— Took Abraham Hunt and his sons Pearson and
Wilson to Mr. Morris's, where Arthur Donaldson is working on
the canal. The rain of last night carried away the dam which he
has been erecting for the past three weeks.
August 22. — ^While riding to Gravel Hill and just above the one mile
stone my mare fell, and although I tried to slip ofT, she fell on me
and I was much hurt Two wagoners took me to Mr. Wister's,
when Jonathan Mifflin driving by in his chair, took me home.
August 25, — ^This evening I was able to hop down stairs to tea. My
friends continue to call on me.
August 27, — ^Attended at the State House and found a quorum of the
members present William Wister called to see me.
August 2g. — Met the Assembly, and at one o'clock the House and
Senate met, when the Governor read his address. Then the House
adjourned to Monday next, owing to the infectious disorder in the
city, and in particular as a young man by the name of Fry is lying
dead at the west end of the State House.
August 30. — Dined at Mr. Barge's with Mr. Morton, from Cumber-
land County. A small cannon was hauled through the streets and
constantly discharged, as the flashing of gunpowder is thought will
prevent the spreading of the disorder. This is being done by order
of Governor Mifflin and Mayor Clarkson.
September s. — ^The Assembly adjourned to-day after a short session of
ten days, owing to the disorder in the city — ^the members would not
remain any longer.
September 11. — About nine o'clock to-night my daughter Betsey was
taken suddenly ill.
September 12. — ^This forenoon Dr. Rush called to see my sick
daughter, and informed me she has the disorder. He ordered eight
ounces of blood to be taken from her, and left some powders.
September 14. — My daughter is mending.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
195
September //. — My daughter Betsy came down stairs, seemingly very
well.
September i8. — Called at Matthew Clarkson's on Arch Street, and ob-
served a hearse with a blind horse in the Friends' graveyard. Was
informed that it was stationed there daily to receive the corpses of
those who belong to the Society ; that carriers were not allowed to
handle the coffins, owing to the infection. I have also observed a
one-horse covered cart with a bed in it, which is used to convey the
sick to Bush Hill Hospital. Mr. Clarkson and I called to see Mr.
Cox at Gray's Ferry, who moved from his house on Spruce Street,
being afraid of the fever.
September /p. — ^Took my daughter Betsey in my chair for a short ride,
the first time since her illness. The disorder is not abating, but
appearing in every part of the dty, and the Doctors say that there
are two sorts of fever — ^the yellow, which nearly always results
£itally, and the other which is not so mortal, since Dr. Rush's
mode of treating it — ^purging and bleeding — is followed. Very
few people are seen on the streets, and they keep at a safe distance
from each other, and if it is known that you have sickness in your
£imily or among your neighbors you are avoided. One-half of our
citizens have gone to the country.
September 20. — ^The burials in the Potter's Field were upwards of
twenty to-day. My daughter Betsey was bled again to-day.
September 22. — ^After break&st drove to the meadow. The number
of burials in the Potter's Field was greater to-day than- yesterday.
September 2j. — ^Took a ride to the Blue Bell and returned by State
Island ferry. Drove to Gravel Hill and from thence to see what
progress had been made on the. canal.
September ^j. — Obtained an order from the Committee to move a
colored woman from General Daniel Brodhead's to Bush Hill Hos«
pital. When the cart came to the door she refused to go, so I got
two colored men who led her away, to their home. .
p««»p»i^»»^^i»<^*»"
■••aMP"*^*^
196 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
September 2g. — ^Dined with Mr. Barge and young Sergeant, after
which we drove to Mr. Cox's near Gray's Ferry.
October /. — ^To-day nine bodies were buried from Bush Hill Hospital
(the first) in the new ground on the public square between Race
and Vine Streets, opposite the new road between Bush Hill and
the place lately John Penn's, now the property of Joseph Depart, a
French baron.
October 2, — By request of Mayor Clarkson the water engines began
sprinkling the streets of the city, as it is said that a moist atmos-
phere will add to the general health. I have been watering Seventh
Street from Market to half way to Chestnut Street, for the past ten
days. Mr. Joseph Ogden, who superintends the burial of the poor,
told me that 517 bodies have been interred in the Potter's Field
between August 19 and October i.
October f^, — I was very sick last night, but feel better this morning.
Received a notice of my election as a member of the Hoi^e of
Representatives — ^the eighth time.
October 14. — Mr. Barge and I drove to Germantown and found the
place filled with Philadelphians, who were very anxious to hear the
news from the city. They kept at a distance when informed that
we had just left the city. We called at Leonard Stonebumer's,
who was not at home, but his daughters brought us some cake
and wine to the garden. On our way home dined at the Widow
Lesher's, afterward went to see the canal works.
October 75. — Mr. and Mrs. Barge have gone to the Widow Miller's,
eleven miles from the city until the disorder abates.
October 16. — ^Took my two daughters a ride, and found it cold enough
for an overcoat Only three applications were made to the Com-
mittee for the removal of sick to Bush Hill.
October 17, — My two daughters took a ride. Mr. Kerr of the Com-
mittee told me that there were only two applications to-day for the
removal of the sick, the average heretofore being thirty to forty
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMEIL I97
daily. The burials as reported by Joseph Ogden, however, do not
lessen much.
October 18, — Drove to the sign of the Buck, and dined with Mr. and
Mrs. Barge, Captain Sadder, his wife, and her mother, and young
Dr. Glentworth and mother.
October 22. — Cloudy but no rain, though it was never more wished
for or wanted. Drove to Gravel Hill and Middle Ferry, and two
of my daughters took a ride to Hugh Roberts's onShippen's Lane.
October 26, — ^Visited Mr. and Mrs. Barge at the Widow Miller's, who
were pleased to see me and to learn of the decrease in the number
of deaths in the city. Israel Whelen, Mr. Thomas, an Englishman,
and Mr. Downing dined with us.
October 28, — Mr. Barge returned to town with Peter Kul\n and Henry
Sheaff. Mr. William Hall, Joseph Rakestraw and William Gray
called to see me.
November j. — Before break&st went up the Lancaster Road to the
nine mile stone, and met the Hon. William Bingham, from the
Southward, who is on the way to his family at Black Point He
will not enter the city.
November p. — Many citizens are returning from the country. Mr.
Barge and I dined with the Governor at his house on Market Street,
to which he returned last night.
November 75; — Mr. Barge and I became security for £2000^ for my
son Thomas Hiltzheimer, who was appointed by Governor Mifflin,
Vendue officer.
November 24.. — My son William, who has been sick, was somewhat
easier this morning — ^his complaint will not permit him to lie down.
Dined at Mr. Barge's with Mr. and Mrs. Myer, Mr. Sontag, William
Sergeant, and Nicola.
November 25, — ^The Asthma troubles my son William, who is veiy
poorly and for some time back has been consumptive. Dr. Wister
is attending him.
I \
i
igS DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
November 28. — Between one and two o'clock this morning I went into
the room of my son William, and sat beside him. After a while he
urged me to go to bed, but I said " how can I when I see and hear
you in such distress/' but after again requesting me to retire I left
his room and he directed the nurse to close the door that I might
not be disturbed. I could not sleep and about five o'clock hearing
everything quiet re-entered his room, and found him just breathing.
I took him in my arms, but my children coming in led me away,
and he breathed his last before six o'clock. He was thirty-one
years old the 30th day of last June.
November 2g, — ^At four o'clock this afternoon I was called to attend
the burial of my son, who was buried alongside of his mother in
the Friends' ground at Fourth and Arch Streets. I appreciate this
iavor shown to me by that good and religious society, as neither my
late son nor I belong to this Society. A large number of men
attended the funeral, considering the late mortality in the city.
December 2, — Matthew Clarkson and Colonel Wadsworth, member of
Congress, from Hartford, Connecticut, called to see me and renudned
to tea.
December J. — ^A quorum of the members of the House present at the
State House.
December ^. — ^The House met and elected George Latimer as their
Speaker.
December 6. — ^Attended at the State House. A committee of Friends
appeared and handed to the Speaker a memorial against all kinds of
gaming and play-houses.
December 10. — ^Attended at the State House, and after we adjourned
dined with the Governor and some friends.
December 77. — ^Attended at the State House. At twelve o'clock,
Dennis Whelen, Thomas Lily, and myself, a committee of the
House, with Lindsay Coates, Abraham Smith, and Robert Brown,
of the Senate, escorted the Governor from his house to the Senate
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. I99
Chamber, where the oath was administered to him by Benjamin
Chew, Esq., in the presence of the Assembly seated and the joint
committee standing. We then marched to the Court House steps
in Market Street, under direction of High Sheriff William Will,
where the Governor's election was proclaimed by Timothy Matlack,
Clerk of the Senate. We then marched back to the Senate
Chamber, where the Governor was conducted to the chair, from
which he expressed his thanks to the public for entrusting him
again with the office for another three years. The committee then
escorted him back to his own house, where they remained to dinner.
December ig. — ^At three o'clock went down to the waterside in Pine
Street and dined with our Speaker, Mr. Latimer, and B. R. Morgan,
J. Swanwick, Henry Kemmerer, Thomas Britton, Joseph Magoffin,
Thomas Paul, Jacob Morgan, Mathias Barton, James Morrow, John
Whitehill, Abraham Carpenter, and Isaac Ferree, all of the As-
sembly.
December 22 — Breakfasted at the Point House, and dined with Mr.
Barge. My son Robert had to dine with him at my house, on a
saddle of venison, General Brodhead, James Biddle, Esq., Presley
Neville, Esq., Peter Baynton, Andrew Tybout, and several other
gentlemen.
December 2g. — Had to breakfast with me Thomas Bull and Mr. Ross,
member from Chester County, and Mr. Old, from Lancaster.
December JO. — In the forenoon attended at the State House. Dined
with Mr. Barge, and afterwards we took a ride to the canal, where
Johnson's men are hard at work.
December ji. — ^Attended in my place at the State House, and remained
at home during the afternoon.
••»■"
200
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHBIMER.
/
1794.
January j. — Had to breakfast with me Colonel Wadsworth, of Con-
gress, Mr. Kelly &nd Gardner of the House. Afterward met at the
State House the Committee on Claims.
January ii, — ^John Stewart, member from York County, fell to the
floor in a convulsion, which for a time caused considerable excite-
ment in the House.
January 12. — Dined at Mr. Baize's, after which we took a walk.
Attended the Lutheran Church on Fourth Street and heard Mr.
Helmuth preach.
January 14,, — ^The Senate and House to-day elected Colonel C. Febiger,
Treasurer.
January 16. — Had to breakfast with me Messrs. Evans, Tyson. Shoe-
maker, and Davis, from Montgomery County ; Judge James Biddle,
and Mr. Slough, after which we went to the House.
January ij. — ^The following gentlemen dined with my son Robert at
my house : Colonel Wadsworth, A. Hunt, Mr. Van Borckel, Richard
Bache, J. DuflSeld, Andrew Tybout, J. Lawrence, William Jones,
William Gray, and a few others.
January ^/.— -The members of the House from Lancaster County
breakfasted with me. In the afternoon session, when the bill was
called up giving the late Proprietors seven thousand pounds, which
was lodged with the State Treasurer for pretended arrears of taxes,
it occasioned a two hours debate, and was left unfinished.
January 22. — ^The bill of yesterday was again before the House, and
the sum of £7249 2s. lod. allowed.
February /. — ^Attended at the House. Took my three daughters and
Molly Ogden sleighing.
February 2. — Dined at Mr. Barge's, and afterward took Mr. Barge,
William Jones, Colonel Wadsworth in my sleigh to Point no Point,
and then went down to the place where Anthony Morris lives.
\
•*
DIARY OF JACOB • HILTZHEIMER.
201
February J, — Had to breakfast with me seven members of the Assem-
bly : Mr. Stokely, Mr. Minor, Mr. Ritchie, and Mr. White, from
. Washington^ Mr. Torrence, and Mr. Cunningham, from Fayette,
and Mr. Maclay, from Franklin. Afterwards met the Committee on
Claims. Dined at the Governor's with Colonel Henry Miller, Mr.
Campbell, Mr. Scott, Dr. Redman, and Mr. Hall.
February 5. — ^The report was again taken up dividing the State in
twelve districts to elect thirteen members for the House of Repre-
sentatives of the United States. Yesterday Mr. Benjamin R. Mor-
gan handed to the Speaker a motion that the State at large should
elect the members on a general ticket; a long debate ensued. The
yeas and nays being called, forty-two votes were given for the district
system and twenty votes for the general system.
February 8. — Dr. Chapman and Gerardus Wynkoop, from Bucks
County, breakfasted with me. In the afternoon took a sleigh ride
with William Jones to the Point House.
February //. — After the House adjourned, many oS the members called
at Mr. Oellers's Hotel and drank punch. His daughter was married
yesterday. This evening the first play was acted at the new theatre
at comer of Sixth and 'Chestnut Streets.
February 26. — At noon the House met with the Senate for the trial
of John Nicholson, Comptroller General. Benjamin R. Moi^^,
chairman of the coimmittee of five appointed by the House, opened
the case on behalf of the House. I found that four lawyers are
employed by the House at f 300 each, and the Comptroller a like
number: Messrs. Wilcox, Rawle, Ingersoll, and Dexter for the
House ; Messrs. Lewis, Tilghman, and Bradford for Nicholspn.
February 27. — Mr. Morgan resumed his remarks on the articles of
impeachment
March /. — ^The impeachment of the Comptroller continued. Mr.
Morgan reported that owing to the sickness of a witness he could
not proceed regularly, whereupon the trial was continued.
14
«r
202 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMEIL
March 2. — ^The following gentlemen dined at my house on a roast of
beef out of my large ox, Commodore Trunnion : James Donaldson,
Jr., Peter Baynton, Samuel Clarkson, Colonel Lutz, the son of John
Duffield, and my sons.
March 4. — ^The trial of John Nicholson was resumed and Mr. Morgan
concluded his presentation of the charges against him.
March 5. — Edward Tilghman, Esq., opened on behalf of the Comptrol-
ler and examined seven witnesses, viz. : W. Montgomery and J.
Smilie, members of Congress ; William Bingham, A. Smith, and
Thomas, of the Senate; Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the
Treasury, and Robert Hare.
March 6. — ^Albert Gallatin, who a few days ago lost his seat in the
Senate of the United States, owing to his not being a citizen long
enough, was called by the Comptroller's counsel to give evidence,
but I believe it will be to no advantage for their case.
March 7. — Mr. Tilghman continued in behalf of Mr. Nicholson. With
Dennis Whelen, Haines, and several more friends went to see the
play, ''Every One has His Faults," at the new playhouse.
March 8. — ^The trial of John Nicholson was resumed. A long argu-
ment took place as to admitting the testimony of Hans Hamilton,
which Nicholson obtained some time ago, when Hamilton was in
town, without notice to the counsel for the State to be present
Finally, the counsel on both sides agreed to proceed, and to take
up later Hamilton's testimony. When Mr. Tilghman finished, Mr.
Gibson and other gentlemen for the defense explained the laws of
the United States and this State concerning the debts and certificates
of both in a masterly manner. In the afternoon drove down to the
Point House and witnessed a quarrel between Mrs. Marshall and a
pilot named Crow, concerning her daughter.
March 10, — ^The trial of the Comptroller resumed. William Rawle
spoke on behalf of the State and stated facts that I believe cannot
be refuted by the opposing counsel.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 203
March ii. — Mr. Higgins, one of the counsel for Nicholson, spoke
nearly three hours, with much force. But argument without facts
seldom prevails. In the afternoon Mr. Higgins was too unwell to
continue his argument.
March 12. — Mr. Higgins concluded his argument in three-quarters of
an hour, when he was followed by Mr. Dexter, for the State. His
language was beautiful, his reasoning clear, expressive, and, I think,
convincing, that the new loan certificates stated in one of the arti-
cles of impeachment were not subscribable to the loan of the United
States.
March ij, — ^William Bradford, of counsel for Nicholson, spoke until
two o'clock. His language was smooth and eloquent, and he tried
to counteract what was said by Mr. Dexter yesterday.
March /^ — Mr. Bradford concluded his argument in two hours. His
ending was beautiful, and he defended his client in a masterly man-
ner. The trial was postponed to Monday.
March ij. — SL Patrick's Day, clear and very pleasant Mr. Wilcox
spoke on behalf of the Commonwealth in the trial of the Comp-
troller.
March iS, — Mr. Wilcox finished his argument. In the afternoon
drank coffee at the Widow Marshall's, at the Point House.
March /p. — ^William Lewis, Esq., spoke two hours in behalf of
Nicholson.
March 20, — Owing to Mr. Lewis, of counsel, being unwell, we ad-
journed until to-morrow.
March 22, — Mr. Lewis, who was still sick yesterday, concluded his
argument in two hours, and was followed by Mr. IngersoU on be-
half of the Commonwealth.
March 24.. — Mr. IngersoU spoke six hours but did not finish his argu-
ment He is a beautiful speaker, an excellent reasoner^and did the
case of the Commonwealth great justice.
304 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
March 2$. — Edward Tilghman, Esq., for the Comptroller, and Wil-
liam Rawle, Esq., for the G>mmQnwealth, concluded the arguments
in the case in about one hour each.
March 2g. — Before dinner took a walk down Third Street to South,
and then up Front Street, and called on Lownes, the silversmith,
and paid him for the siic silver tankards which I had made for my
children, from the sale of my large ox.
March JO. — Mr. Barge and I rode to Robert Morris's place, where
Arthur Donaldson's men are digging the canal. Dined at Mr.
Barge's with Matthew Clarkson, Maud H. Keppele, her sister, and
Miss Hubley and George Lauman.
March ji. — Paid eight dollars for a box at the theatre and ^ok my
three daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Barge, Moses Cox and daughters,
and Matthew Clarkson. The play was "The Grecian Daughter."
April /. — ^The House and Senate elected James Ross, from Washing-
ton, to serve as United States Senator.
April 6. — Had to dine with me Mr. and Mrs. Barge and all my
children, and gave the latter six silver tankards, costing $y> each.
April 10. — ^Dined at George Latimer's with five members of the
House : John Lardner, Dennis Whelen, T. Britton, T. Lilly, and
J. Shoemaker.
April II. — Was informed that John Nicholson resigned his office of
Comptroller General after the Senate had decided in his favor, and
that John Donaldson was appointed in his place. In the after-
noon the House attended the funeral of Jacob Morgan, one of
the members from this county. He was buried in the grave-
yard at comer of Fifth and Arch Streets.
April 12. — ^This afternoon the members of the Legislature went to
the Lutheran church to hear the new organ.
April i^. — ^About noon a large body of sailors went to the Governor's
house in a riotous manner, complaining of being out of employ-
ment owing to the Embargo Act.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 205
Afril 21, — ^Attended at the State House twice. Dined with the Gov-
ernor with General Brodhead, Dr. J. Redman, G>lonel Thomas
Proctor, and James Ross. At night went to see the play of
" Richard III."
April 2j. — ^The Legislature adjourned yesterday. Dined with twenty-
five gentlemen at Burns's tavern, on Tenth Street, kept by Rich-
ardet. Present, James Ross, of Washington County ; Mr. Bingham
and Scott, Speaker Latimer, Kemmerer, Erwin, Barton, Ferree,
Lilly, Kelly, Haines, Evans, Forrest, Bowman, Carran, Neville,
Paul, Stokley, Shoemaker, Lutz, Dennis Whelen, P. Baynton,
young Willing, J. Ross, John Woods, and William Lewis.
April JO, — Had to breakfast Mr. J. Trumbull, of Connecticut In
the afternoon met the Commissioners at the President's house,
Ninth Street.
May I. — ^Went to Isaac Warner's fish house and dined with Richard
Peters, Robert Morris, James Wilson, Tench Francis, Andrew
Tybout, G. Latimer, Matthew Clarkson, and others — about eighty
in number.
May lo. — Forenoon Mr. Barge and I went to Penrose's wharf to
see Sontag and Le Roche's ship launched.
May 12, — ^Took a ride along the banks of the Schuylkill and stopped
• at Metz's tavern. In the afternoon Mr. Barge and I attended the
burial of Joseph Rakestraw.
May IS. — Drove to my Schuylkill lot and meadow and to the Point
House. Dined with Mr. Barge, after which we took a ride to Gravel
Hill and down to the Swan tavern, where we had a glass of bad
punch.
May 21. — Breakfasted with the Governor. Dined with Mr. Barge,
after which we drove to Gravel Hill, crossed at Ogden's Upper
Ferry, and went to Gray's Ferry, kept by Weed, thence home by
my meadows.
i
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206 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
June ^ — Matthew Clarkson, Mrs. Simmons, Miss Ogden and Clark-
son^ and my daughters went to see the play of "Romeo and
Juliet/' the occasion being Mrs. Marshall's benefit..
June ij. — Matthew Clarkson and Edward Wells took tea with us.
At the table my daughter Betsey was taken ill with a hemorrhage.
Dr. Kuhn was sent for and ordered her to be bled.
/um 18. — ^Took my daughter Betsey a short ride. Dined with Mr.
Barge, after which we attended the funeral of L. Stoneburner, in
Germantown, with whom I have been acquainted for thir^-five
years.
j June /p. — My daughter Betsey has not improved in health and was
\v again bled. I took a ride with my daughter Molly to the canal.
June 2j. — ^Visited Samuel Sansom's country place, and brought home
for my daughter Betsey some fine raspberries. In the afternoon
attended the funeral of John Cornman, sugar refiner, from his
house, Spruce and Tenth Streets.
June 26, — ^Took Governor MifHin in my chair and went down to the
Stillhouse wharf to examine the stone purchased for Fort Mifflin,
a great quantity of which is stored there.
July 2g. — At six o'clock set out with my daughter Betsey in my chair
for Trenton. Breakfasted at the Red Lion in company with Miss
M. Harrison, Francis, Wister, and Eddy.
July J I, — Returned home from Trenton. Dined with , Mr. Barge,
after which we called on the Governor and drank some wine with
Colonel Henry Miller, M. Slough, Nathaniel Falkner, Mr. Britt,
and several strangers to me. Met Miers Fisher at the City Tavern,
agreeably to his note left at my house, concerning some reports
props^ated against him in his absence last week. There were
present Thomas Willing, Mr. Ingersoll, John Vaughan, George Lati-
mer, H. Kemmerer, Mr. Wynkoop, and myself. As no person
appeared to substantiate the charge, Mr. Fisher's explanation had
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DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIUER.
207
full weight, and the gentlemen present appeared to be satisfied —
that he had no conversation with the pilot or pilots, as was reported.
August ^. — My two daughters, Kitty Cox and Molly, took a ride be-
fore breakfast Lewis Farmer's wife was buried to-day. My son
Thomas arrived from Trenton and informed me that my daughter
Betsey was very ill and desired to see me.
August 5. — At four o'clock A. m. my daughter Molly and I set out
for Trenton, and, notwithstanding the day was very hot, reached
there at eleven o'clock, and found my daughter very ill.
August 8. — Brought my two daughters home to-day — Betsey better
for the ride.
August g. — My daughter Betsey seems to be better and much more
satisfied since she is again at home. Yesterday General Neville,
and D. Lennox arrived from Allegheny County, from which they
had been driven by the rioters for being officers of excise. They
burned the General's house and barn, and would have shot him
had he been caught
August 2p. — Drove down to Hoch's, near the Schuylkill, and got some
graces for my daughter Betsey, who is again spitting blood.
September /. — ^This afternoon the Legislature assembled by proclama-
tion of Governor Mifflin.
September 3, — ^Weather very warm. Took my sick daughter with
her sisters a short ride, and after our return Betsey became very ill.
September 6, — ^At nine o'clock, with Mr. Barge in my chair, and in
company with Governor Mifflin and the French Minister, set out
for Fort Mifflin, where we met Jacob Morgan, John Chapman,
Thomas Bull» James Morrison, Jonas Hertzel, and Tliomas Hockley,
of the Committee appointed by the House, of which I am Chair-
man. Major Charles L'Enfant, engineer, attended and explained
to us the several works under way and to be done. In the evening
we returned, some by land and some by water.
imtii'^mmmmfm
M II' I
208 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
StpUmber 12. — ^Took my daughters Betsey, and Molly, a short ride.
In the evening went to Dunwoody's and there met the Committee
on Fortification of Mud Island. Major L'Enfant attended.
Sipttmber ij. — ^This afternoon took my three daughters out riding —
Betsey is rather worse than she has been for several days.
September 75.— 'After the House adjourned took my daughters riding.
During the night I had to send for Dr. Wister, as Betsey, was very
ill.
September 18. — ^Attended the House. Afternoon took my three
daughters to the camp, two miles over Schuylkill, where they
rested in the Governor's tent. The troops are to march to-morrow
against the opposers of the Excise Law in the western part of the
State.
September ig. — My daughter continues very ill. This morning about
one hundred and twenty horsemen, among them my son Robert
and son-in-law Cox, marched through the city, with a company of
infantry and the artillerists with fifteen cannon.
September 20. — Attended at the State House, and in *the afternoon
took my daughters riding. Colonel Isaac Warner, proprietor of the
Fish House, was buried tQ-day.
September 21, — Breakfasted with the Governor, who returned from
Montgomery County last night, where he has been forwarding the
troops to quell the insurrection in the West.
September 2j. — The House adjourned for half an hour, when Mr.
Swanwick invited all the members to Oellers's Hotel to a lunch with
punch.
September jo, — ^That great and good man, General Washington,
President of the United States, set out from his h6use on Market
Street, with Secretary Hamilton on his left and Private Secretary
on his right, to head the troops called out to quell the insurrection
to the westward.
I ■■■..^^1 I ill.. m», ,....., ..« p., ...^ .,fm ^ ^ "'■■'j i , I J i HJ^jj..^.x
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIlfER. 2O9
October 7. — Last night in returning from Thomas Fisher's, who gave
a permit for the burial of my son Thomas's child in Friends' ground,
I sprained my foot so badly that I went to Mr. Cox's and had it
bathed, and afterward went home on horseback. At four o'clock
my son's child was buried.
October 2j. — Colonel F. Johnson's people moved his office into my
new house, adjoining the one in which I live, at a rental of ^200
per annum.
October 2g. — ^Took my daughters Betsey, and Molly, a ride. Colonel
F. Johnson, with nine light-horsemen, brought down four insurgents,
among them Herman Husband, from Bedford.
October J I. — ^Took my daughters riding. Bought two barrels of flour ]
for £6 4s. 4d.
November J. — ^This evening Mr. Barge and I went to Elliot's on Fourth
Street and met the members of the Amicable Fire Company. •
November /p. — Norton Pryor went with me to see President Wash-
ington enter Cong^ress, to deliver his address in the lower room,
which only took half an hour.
November 28, — ^This morning Captain McConnell's troop of horse
returned from the westward. Dined with Mr. Barge and afterward
drove to the Middle Ferry, where we met Captain Singer with his
troop of horse. Later we attended the burial of the wife of Mayor
Clarkson. Hon. Mr. Kittera and Mr. Barge spent the evening with
me.
November Jo.— MttT breakfast with Mr. Barge called on Governor
Mifflin, who returned from the westward on Friday evening last
Jacob Cox returned last evening and my son Robert this evening
from t{ie westward expedition.
• • '
December J, — ^Onlya bare quorum of members of the House being
present, we postponed electing a Speaker until to-morrow.
IW I
2IO DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
December ^. — George Latimer was elected Speaker of the House ;
Peter Baynton, Clerk ; James Martin, Sergeant-at-Arms and J. Fry,
Doorkeeper.
December 7. — In the forenoon took a ride wjth the Governor, John
Nicholson, and Jonathan Mifflin to Governor Mifflin's &rm on the
west side of the Schuylkill, and after viewing Nicholson's building
being erected for a glass house, crossed at the Falls and returned to
dinner.
December 10, — ^Went with the Committee to visit the westernmost part
of the market, which is allotted to the country people, and found
several butchers using the stalls. After the House adjourned went
to see Colonel Macpherson's volunteers enter the city from the
western expedition. They were escorted by the troops of light-
horse of Captains Dunlap, McConnell, and Singer, who crossed the
Schuylkill to meet them.
December ij, — ^The city troops marched to the Schuylkill to escort
the remainder of the troops from the western expedition.
December 18. — ^At noon the House adjourned and the qiiembers, with
their Speaker, attended the commencement at the Methodist church
on Fourth Street, where several young ladies from Mr. Poor's
Academy spoke before a large audience.
December 25^ — Colonel White, of the New Jersey light-horse, arrived
with the prisoners from the westward, who were lodged in the Gaol
on Walnut Street
December 26. — About eight o'clock this evening, while at Mr. Barge's,
heard the cry of fire and found it was in the back part of the
Lutheran church at Fourth and Cherry Streets, where the steeple
was to be built This was consumed before nine o'clock, and the
church building was thought safe. Later a fire broke out under the
roof and the beautiful building was burned to the ground.
December 28. — Remained at home all day, as my daughter Betsey is
very low. She suffered so much that I sent for Dr. Kuhn.
•^"^f^i^ti^a^^-tmtiimfmit
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 211
December 2g, — My daughter Elizabeth died this afternoon at four
o'clock. She was born September i, 1773, in the house where all
my children, seven in number, were bom. She was an ingenuous
and dutiful child, and left us with a sweet smile on her countenance.
December J I. — ^At three o'clock this afternoon I was called to attend
the funeral of my child to the Friends' graveyard at Fourth and
Arch Streets.
1795.
January 2. — Mr. Kelly, member from York County, took breakfast
with me. In the House he brought up the matter of the election
in the four western counties for members of Assembly, thought to
be unconstitutional on account of the insurrection.
January 3. — Mr. Kelly again brought up the subject of yesterday's
debate, and after he had concluded Albert Gallatin spoke in oppo-
sition, and asked in whom does the power lay to set aside an elec-
tion. At my request Dr. Kuhn called on me concerning the
practice of physic, a subject now before the House, and gave me
all the information I desired.
January 5. — ^The matter of the elections in Washington, Westmore-
land, Fayette, and Allegheny Counties was again taken up, and
Mr. Gallatin spoke three hours in support of the election.
January 7. — ^Attended the House ; Colonel Forrest in the chair. B.
R. Morgan and Robert Frazer spoke against and Jacob Nagle, of
Bedford, in &vor of the western election.
January 8, — Attended the House ; Colonel Forrest in the chair.
After speeches by Mr. Gallatin ag^ainst it and Mr. Evans for it, the
resolutions setting aside the elections in the western counties was
adopted.
January p.— When the subject, that has been before the Committee
of the Whole for some days past, came before the House, it was
,^
mm i^ I i P MW n ■■■«■■» 1*1 ■■! ■!■■■— -■■i* ■■iii r .<w
212 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIM£R«
carried in the affirmative, upon which the eleven members from
the four counties withdrew. The Senate had decided in the same
manner on the 3d inst
January 26. — ^After leaving the State House, Colonel Jacob Morgan
and I called to see Mr. Barge and there met Tench Francis, busy
spinning on Mrs. Barge's wheel.
January 2j, — After the House was called to order, neither Mr. Bayn-
ton nor Mr. Bullock, our Clerks, appearing (owing to the death' of
Mrs. Markoe, a sister of the former and sister-in-law of the latter),
Matthias Barton, member from Lancaster, was good enough to
officiate.
February 12. — Mr. John Penn, a former Governor of this Province, was
buried from his house in Pine Street at Christ Church on Second
Street
I February ip. — ^Thanksgiving Day, by proclamation of President
I Washington. Two days ago I received an invitation from the Hon.
I William Bingham to dine with him to-day, but finding myself so
^ unwell, I sent a note of regret
February 26. — ^To-day Hon. William Bingham was elected United
States Senator in the place of Robert Morris, who declined serving
again.
February 2j, — Mr. Mitchell's resolution for moving the seat of
government was debated, and carried by a majority of eleven
votes.
March 4^ — ^Attended at the House. Had to dine with me Colonel
Thomas Forrest, of the House of Representatives ; Thomas Boude,
Matthias Barton, Isaac Ferree, and Daniel Buckley, of Lancaster
County ; John Montgomery, of Cumberland ; Robert Frazer, of
Chester ; Presley Neville and Dunning McNair, of Allegheny ; and
Peter Baynton, Clerk of the House. Mr. William B. Hockley was
buried this afternoon.
h.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMBR. 21$
March p. — ^At four o'clock, with the Speaker and twenty-two mem-
bers of the House, dined with President Washington. He was ex-
ceedingly af&ble to all.
March 22. — Dined at Mr. Barge's with M. Keppele and Israel
Whelen, who was lately elected State Senator in the place of Hon.
William Bingham.
March 25. — ^With Colonel F. Gumey and several members of the As-
sembly went to the President's House on Ninth Street, to see what
progress is being made by the carpenters. Met a committee of the
city and county members, and Mr. Dunlap and Tench Francis^
concerning the impropriety of erecting a hospital close to the great
road near Schuylkill, on the west side.
March jo. — ^The bill for moving the seat of government to Carlisle
was read a third time, and a long debate ensued, even after the ayes
and noes were called for. They were at length taken, thirty-six
for moving and thirty-four against
April 6. — In the evening went to the playhouse with Israel and
Dennis Whelen, Thomas Bull, Thomas Boude, R. Frazer, and D.
Buckley. Our box was so full that my daughter Molly sent for
me to come to hers.
Afiril p. — ^Dined with the Governor on Market Street, and so did Mr.
Barge, Mr. Hall, Colonel Charles Stewart, and a number of members
of the Assembly.
April 20. — ^At noon the House adjourned after being in session since
December 2d last From the State House about twenty members
went to Oellers's, where we had a lunch with punch and wine.
May 5. — ^By invitation of Lawrence Seckel, went down to his house
on the meadows, about four and a half miles from the city, and there'
dined on excellent beefsteaks prepared by ourselves, and drank
the best of wine and punch. The following gentlemen were pre-
sent : George Latimer, Francis Gurneyj B. R. Morgan, Robert
■tr
'mm^**
214 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMBR.
Wain, and Messrs. HoUingsworth, Smith, Twells, Hall, Stocker,
Qymer, Jones, Foulke, Baynton, and Guyer. After dinner we went
down to the river to see the fishermen draw in the shad seine. In
crossing a ditch I fell in and got wet all over, and was obliged to
make the best of my way home. ^
May II. — ^Went to the playhouse, it being Mr. Bates's benefit As he
is my tenant,! took a box for my family and invited John Duffield's
daughter, Colonel Gumey and wife, Colonel John Patton, and
William Gray.
May 26. — ^With my daughters and Peter Gordon and wife, from Tren-
ton, went to see Eckstein's paintings, on Market Street ; visited the
house being built for the President, and also Robert Morris's great
house.
May 28. — In the afternoon Matthew Clarkson and I went to the burial
of Daniel Rundle from his house on Market Street to Christ
Church yard on Second Street.
May JO, — My daughter Hannah accompanied Mr. Gordon and wife to
Trenton. In the afternoon Mr. Barge and I drove to the meadow,
and on our return I left him at M. Keppele's, who was married last
Thursday to Miss Caldwell.
June 12. — Drove along Seventh street between Walnut and Spruce
Streets, which the city corporation recently reopened.
June 28, — ^Went to the meadows and breakfasted at the Point House
with Mrs. Anderson and one of her daughters. On my way back
met my daughter Molly and Mr. Simmons. Went to church and
dined with Mr. Barge. After dinner we drove down to G. Ogden's
at Gray's bridge, where the stage-wagon fell into the river. All of
the passengers were saved, but two of the horses were drowned.
Returned home by the middle bridge.
July I, — Paid John Dunlap and Richard Wells five dollars toward
the trees planted on both sides of Market Street to the Schuylkill
this spring ; done by subscription.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. . 21$
July 4,. — ^About midnight I was awakened by a knocking at my door,
calling for the light-horse to assemble at Market and Fourth Streets | ;
in order to proceed to Kensington, where a crowd of people in a
riotous manner burned the effigy of John Jay, of New York, who
lately returned from England, where he had been sent by the Presi-
dent to effect a treaty, which he did to the dissatis&ction of a discon-
tented party.
July 5. — Dined with Mr. Barge. George Lauman came in and gave
us an account of the affair in Kensington. He is a member of
Captain Dunlap's light horse, and their number being so few, they
were unable to disperse the mob.
July II. — Colonel Ephraim Blaine break&sted with me at the Point
House, after which we went to the meadow to see some of my
cattle.
July 75. — President Washington about eight o'clock this morning set
out for Mount Vernon in a two-horse phaeton for one person, his
family in a coach and four horses, and two servants on horseback
leading his saddle horse.
July 18, — ^At five o'clock this morning William Jones in his chair and
I in mine set out for the seashore. Break&sted at Waterman's
and dined at Bessonet's in Bristol. Crossed the Delaware a mile
above the town and rested several times under the trees, it being
exceedingly warm. Made a short stop at Bordentown and pro-
ceeded to Crosswix, where I got very sick.
July 20. — Mr. Jones was of the opinion that it was best for me to turn
back, and at five o'clock we parted. Stopped at Burlington, then
went on to Waterman's, sign of George Washington, where I
became very sick again. Reached home at two o'clock and sent
for Dr. Kuhn, who ordered me to be bled.
July 21. — ^Very warm. This morning I feel much easier. In the
evening Mr. Barge and I took a ride*
s
2l6
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
Jtdy 2^ — ^Went with Timothy Matlack to Joseph Ogden*s house on
. Market Street near Eighth, to see where the lightning struck,
without doing any material damage. It struck the east peak of the
roof, ran down to the copper gutter, followed that to the west end
of the house, and then down to the pavement
Jidy 2j, — ^At six o'clock this morning, Mr. Barge and I in my chair,
Mrs. Barge, Mr. and Mrs. Pearson Hunt and my two daughters in
a light wagon, went down the Chester Road to the Blue Bell, where
we breakfasted. We reached home after ten o'clock.
July 28. — ^Accompanied Israel Whden in his carriage to Warner's
fish house and dined with about thirty gentlemen on the banks
of the Schuylkill. The dinner was given by Robert Erwin and
William Gray, executors of the estate of the late Robert Erwin.
The following are some of the gentlemen present : James Biddle,
J. Hewes, D. Brodhead, F. Johnson, T. Forrest, P. Brown, J. Baker,
B. Scull, A.Tybout, J. Graff, W. Hall, H. Sheaff, J. Morrell, J. Cox,
S. Wheeler, C. Jarvis, J. Wharton, R. Keen, Hugh Roberts, G.
' Weed, and R. Jones.
ytdy 31, — Received of Colonel Ephraim Blaine j^40 for a cow and a
I calf. Mr. Barge and I went to the Middle Ferry, on Schuylkill,
to witness the great freshet. The water was eighteen inches on
the floor in the house, and ran across the road to the east to within
thirty feet of the pump on the hill in Market Street After we
returned home, my daughters drove out to see it. All the
meadows on the west side of the river and the stacks of hay
were under water.
August 2. — ^After dining with Mr. Barge we rode out to the Middle
and Upper Ferries to see the destruction caused by the late
freshet.
August S- — Set out for Long Branch with John Brown in two chairs,
and William Hall with his wife and two ladies in a four-wheel
carriage. Crossed at Dunk's ferry, and near Burlington the road
was under water 2^ feet, caused by the late rains. Nighted at
1
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 21/
Douglass's in Crosswix. The last fourteen miles took one of the
ladies in my chair.
August 6, — Breakfasted at the Widow Britton's. As Mr. Hall and his
party did not come up, we drove on to the Burnt House, kept by
Jewell, and the mercury being 94^ , we rested until four o'clock.
We then proceeded to the^Court House, to Foreman's, where we
met Charles Biddle with his family returning from the seashore.
Mr. Hall and party arrived some time in the night, his delay being
occasioned by the swingletree of his carriage breaking.
August 7. — ^Went on to Jacob Hart's at Colt's Neck, and after break-
fast set out again. At noon the mercury stood at 98^. One of
Mr. Hall's horses gave out and I put my horse in his place and
drove. Left the driver to bring up the sick horse in my chair.
At Hankinson's, in Edenton^ we waited until the sick horse came up,
when Mr. Brown and I went to Thomas Chandler's at the shore.
Very hot at noon.
August 8. — Early this morning took a bath in the ocean. There
dined with us Samuel M orris, governor of the Schuylkill Fishing
Company, and his son and brother J arael. John Morrell, and A.
Tybout The following guests are at our house : Leaming and
wife, Joshua Bond and wife, Peter Kuhn, wife and daughter, William
Jones, Robert Hysham, Mr. Kerr, and Robeson.
August p. — ^William Jones went with me in my chair to visit Mr.
Morris and Hall, at Green's, and there met I otcI Morri s, TI\omas
Morris, and John Wharton. Accompanied them to McKnight^s
y/hite House, and from thence returned to our lodgings. In the
evening Jones and I drove to Hankinson's, at Edenton, to escape
themosquitoes. '
August 10. — Mr. Jones and I returned to our lodgings for breakfast
Went with the following gentlemen to the White House : Mr.
Jones, Mr. Bond, and Mr. Hysham, and there dined with Samuel
Morris, his son Benjamin and two brothers, E. Perot, A. Tybout^
•«w»«p«Nin«aM»Mi9P^
2l8 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
John Craig, Jesse Wain, John Morrell, and John Wharton, of Phila-
delphia; Mr. Sterling, of Burlington, and two gentlemen I did not
know. There were five ladies also present
1 August II. — Cool and pleasant, which happens almost daily between
ten and four o'clock, owing to the sea breeze ; at other hours the
mosquitoes are exceedingly troublesome. Arrived to-day, Johnson
and sister, from Germantown, Mrs. Howard, and a young lady
recently from England.
August 12. — Have been very unwell all day. This evening arrived
from Philadelphia Messrs. Franklin Wharton, Merkin, and Allen.
August I J. — On invitation of William Hall dined at Green's, where we
had an excellent dinner, besides the pleasure of the company of
Mrs. Hall and her niece, Mrs. Cowell, the two Miss Reeds, the
three Morris broth ers, and John Wharton. After dinner we all
drove over to my lodgings.
August 14.. — ^At five o'clock this morning Peter Kuhn, wife, and five
children left for Philadelphia, and this afternoon Joshua Bond and
wife for New Brunswick. In the afternoon S amuel Morris and Mr.
Hall called, and in the evening William Jones and I went to the
Widow Brindly's and bought some cake.
August 75. — William Jones and I left for home and breakfasted at
Colt's Neck, Here we were overtaken by Benjamj p ^orris . from the
White House, and Messrs. Whitall, Howell, and Blackwood, of
Woodbury, New Jersey. After breakfitst we went on to Jewell's,
fed our horses, and thence to Smith's Burnt House, where we
dined. I had a pair of shoes put on my horse. Nighted at Doug-
lass's, making forty-four miles to-day.
August 16. — Benja min Morris set out from Douglass's at Crosswix for
Trenton, and we five went to Davis's tavern at Bordentown to
breakfiist Left for Burlington and dined at Hogland's, where we
met Colonel F. Nichols. A mile beyond the town we parted with
Messrs. Whitall, Blackwood, and Howell, three clever, sociable
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 219
gentlemen. Jones and I crossed at Dunk's Ferry and proceeded
to Waterman's at the sign of General Washington^ where we rested
until five o'clock, and arrived home at dark.
August 20. — Mrs. Barge, Pearson Hunt and wife, and my daughter
Hannah in carriage, Mr. Barge and I in my chair, drove to J.
Woodward's, eleven miles up the Bristol Road, and breakfasted.
Returning, stopped at Harrowgate and had punch.
August 2j. — Went to church and then dined with Mrs. Barge. My
old friend is laid up with gout, which I regret, as I shall be lost with-
out his company.
August 26. — ^Went to the supper of Robert Erwin given to a few
friends and his workmen on the raising of his house on Eighth
Street
August 2y. — ^This afternoon drove to the meadow and on the way met
William Jones. We went to the French house near the Hospital
and drank a bowl of iced punch.
August J I. — I have been reading Brissot de Warville's '' Travels" with
some interest My son-in-law, Jacob Cox, returned from the sea-
shore.
September 4. — Dined with Mr. Barge, after which we drove over to
Mr. Penn's place, but missed Mr. Physic.
September 11. — To-day I finished reading de Warville's " Travels." I
can readily understand why he makes so many errors, for his stay
was too short to give an accurate account of matters and things. S
September /j. — ^Went to church and afterward dined with Mr. Barge.
In the evening went with General Brodhead, William Jones, and A.
Tybout to the White Horse, kept by George Weed, and had some
good punch.
September /($•— Went to the President's house on Ninth Street, where
John Smith has twenty-three men at work on the circular stairs.
ihh' \i
220 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
September ly, — Visited Mayor Clarkson concerning Governor Mifflin's
proclamation in reference to the sickness in New York. Called at
Captain Loxle/s, on Arch Street, who made a bowl of punch. Mr.
Barge and I took a drive in the afternoon along the banks of the
Schuylkill.
September iS.-^Mr. Barge and I visited the President's house on Ninth
Street, and also Robert Morris's, both unfinished.
September 21. — Drove Mr. Barge down to Inglis's rope walk, where
he bought some hemp to wrap up his feet when he has an attack
of gout.
September. 2^ — Dined with Grovemor Mifflin and Miss Susa nna.^^
Morris, at the Falls.
September 26. — Mr. Barge and I took a ride; stopped at the race
ground, near the Lower Ferry Road, and watched them exercise
the horses.
October 75. — Received my certificate of election as a member of the
House of Representatives, in which I have served since October of
1786.
October 21. — ^Joseph Wharton with Jacob Craver, Sheriff-elect ot
Cumberland County, called to see me. Accompanied them to the
Governor's and then to the Chief Justice, to ascertain why the
Sheriff's commission is withheld. We learned that it was charged
Craver was implicated in the late Whisky Insurrection. This he
must clear up.
October 22. — ^Dined at the Governor's with Major Fisher, of the Artil-
lery.
(October 26, — ^Visited Ricketts' circus with Abraham Hunt, of Trenton,
and my three daughters. Bought one and a half cords of oak wood
at 52 s. 6 d. per cord.
November 4. — ^Visited William Jones, on Market Street, who was yes-
terday married to the Widow Elves — his third wife. His first was
V:
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 221
Annie Moss, and his second the Widow Gray. Drank punch with
Governor Mifflin, J. Donaldson, R. Keen, Israel Whelen, A. Tybout,
William Hall, P. DeHaven, William and Henry Sheaflf, William
Pollard, B. Scull, Joseph Wharton, Dr. B. Duffield, Robert Erwin,
William and Joseph Gray, Matthew and Robert Jones, Hugh
Roberts, and others. In the afternoon took Joseph Wharton in
my chair to the Point House.
November 6. — Called again at William Jones's, where a bountiful re-
past, with punch, was served, and where I met Thomas Forest, Hugh
McCullough, Samuel Mills, Jr., Gibson, the lawyer ; Mr. Shaw, the
merchant ; Wilson Hunt, Mr. Sperry, Edward Wells, Michael Hil-
legas. Dr. Kuhn, and others. By request of Mr. Jones I remained
'and dined with Mrs. Jones and the family. Mr. Barge took a ride
with me along the banks of the Schuylkill.
November 7. — At noon called on Mayor Clarkson, when we visited
William Jones to drink punch. We met Mr. VanBerkel, Joseph
Anthony, Dr. John Duffield, Hugh Lloyd, Nicholas Diehl, Dr. Pas-
chall, George Westcott, Philip Kinsey, Philip Francis, General Bull,
and Moses Cox. This is the fourth day that Mr. Jones has kept
open house. I took a ride all the afternoon to wear off the effects
of the punch and clear my head.
Novembers. — ^Went to church and dined with Mr. Barge. After din-
ner we took a ride through Kensington, up the Frankford Road,
then over to Germantown Road, and home via Ridge Road.
November 10. — Dined at Governor MifHin's, on Market Street, with
General D. Brodhead, John Adlum, William West, and Nathaniel
Newlin.
November //. — ^At Robert Morris's house, southeast comer Seventh
and Chestnut, the workmen began to erect the steam engine.
November 2^ — ^At ten o'clock >set out in my chair for Lancaster, in
company with Israel Whelen, John Perot, John Hall, A. Witmer,
William Sansom, and James Fisher. Dined with Mr. Curwen^ the
1/
•«^wv
222 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
overseer of the turnpike. Nighted at Hunt Downing's, where we
had exceedingly good accommodations.
.November 2$- — ^After break&st Richard Downing and Mr. Paulding
joined us and we proceeded to Humphrey's tavern, where we
stopped for punch. At Reynell's we dined, and afterward stopped
at Witmer's bridge, and thence to Slouch's, in Lancaster. We
found the turnpike in a generally good condition, only here and
there the stones were not sufficiently covered with gravel. Visited
several friends.
November 27. — Mr. Whden, General Henry Miller, and I left Lancas-
ter and dined at Reynell's. I frequently got out of my chair and
measured the bed of the turnpike, which is full twenty-one feet
wide, which is according to law. At Hunt Downing's we met
United States Senator James Ross and wife, of Pittsburgh.
November 28. — Set out after breakEatst and made a short stop at
Robinson's tavern. I frequendy measured the turnpike down to
the 14-mile stone, from which point to the city it has been viewed
by the Commissioners. Dined at the Widow Miller's and reached
home by sundown.
December I. — ^Attended the House of Representatives; a quorum
present
December 2. — Mathias Young, J. Hall, and myself, who were ap-
pointed last month by the Governor to view the turnpike from the
14-mile stone to Witmer's bridge and thence to Lancaster, went to
the Secretary's office in the State House.
December 5. — ^The Governor, Mr. Barge, and myself went to Dun-
woody's Spread Eagle Tavern on Market Street, and there dined on
venison with the following gentlemen: Jacob Barge, born in 1721 ;
I William Jones, 1723 ; Edward Shippen, 1728; Frederick Kuhl,
1728; Michael Hillegas, 1729; Jacob Hiltzheimer, 1729; James
Biddle, 173 1 ; Matthew Clarkson, 1733; Joseph Hewes, 1733;
Moses Cox, 1734; Daniel "Brodhead, 1736; Andrew Tybout, 1736;
**■'■' ' = . * « m ■'^ ■» >• -w-
' ii n r» fcii> i . ii^ >ia
»■■ iMil » a i .<MW»|B|^
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. . 22$
Rey. Keen, 1739; Alexander Wilcox, 1742; Thomas Mifflin, 1742;
and Charles Jarvis. After dinner we agreed to meet at the same
place the last Saturday in the months of March, June, September,
and December.
Decetnber 8, — ^At noon the House adjourned and went to the Congress
hall, when President Washington delivered his address to the Senate
and House.
December 11, — Mr. Barge called for me and we went to Samuel Miles,
Jr's., on Arch Street next to the Free Quaker meeting house, who
was married last Friday to the daughter of Caleb Foulke, where we
drank punch.
December i^ — Colonel F. Gumey and I, with a number of members
of the Assembly, examined the work at the President's house on
Ninth Street.
December 77. — ^To-day Mr. Leib's motion for calling the names of the
members of the House in alphabetical order was defeated by the
vote of the Speaker. It was also resolved that the Speaker in the
future shall vote as other members on every question that may come
before the House, and only to decide questions when the votes are
equally divided.
December 2y. — Went t9 church. Rev. Mr. Helmuth preached. Our
congregation has granted the use of the church every other Sunday
to the use of the Lutherans until their church is rebuilt Dined
with Mr. Barge, after which we took a walk to the State House
yard.
224 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
1796.
January 7,-»-Took luncheon with the Governor at his house on
Market Street, the following gentlemen being present : John Shoe-
maker, Mathias Barton, Abraham Carpenter, Dennis Whelen, and
Dr. Kennedy.
January 2, — ^This evening went to Rickett's circus with my daughters,
Mr. and Mrs. Barge, William Standley, Mr. Twells and his daughter.
January p. — ^Yesterday went to the House of Representatives of the
United States to listen to the trial of Robert Randall and Charles
Whitney, who are charged with endeavoring to corrupt some mem-
bers of the body concerning a large tract of land. Randall was
then at the bar of the House and was being defended by James
Tilghman and William Lewis.
January 7. — Forenoon attended the House. Dined with Speaker
George Latimer and his brother. United States Senator from Dela-
ware; B. R. Morgan, Francis Gumey, Lawrence Seckel, Robert
Wain, Cadwalader Evans, Mr. Tyso n, Mr. Davis, Israel Whelen, and
Dr. McKinley.
January 12, — The Senate met the House, and Christian Febiger was
elected Treasurer of the State.
January 22, — ^Joseph Erwin's wife was buried. Met with the Com-
mittee on Claims on the petition of John Jones. He brought his
two daughters before us, who testified that his store was taken by
Messrs. Paul Cox, Joseph Marsh, and S. Massey for the use of the
State at ;^ioo per annum, and that the same gentlemen gave Mrs.
Jones to understand that if the store was destroyed by the British
the State would make good the loss.
February 6. — ^This afternoon General Wayne came to town from the
Indian country, where he has been above three years. Our three
troops of light-horse met him four miles from the city, and when he
crossed the bridge over Schuylkill a salute of fifteen guns was fired
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIHER. 225
from Centre Square. The spectators were very numerous, notwith-
standing the muddy roads and streets.
February 7. — On my return from the meadow, I was bled by order of
Dr. Kuhn. William Jones called to see me.
February 12. — Met the Committee on Claims, and decided against the
claim of John Jones.
February 16. — Met Messrs. Worrell, Boude, Smith, and Cunningham,
and decided in favor of the petition of the Trustees of the Academy
of Lower Dublin.
February 22. — At noon Speaker Hare, of the Senate, and Speaker
Latimer, of the House, with their members, called on President
Washington to congratulate him on his birthday. He stood in the
centre of the back room, where he bowed to each member as he
passed into the front room, where wine and cake were served. At
night the ladies and gentlemen had a dance at Rickett's riding place,
southwest comer Sixth and Chestnut Streets.
February 25. — ^The House decided against the resolutions from the
State of Virginia for altering the Constitution of the United States,
by a majority of fifteen.
March /. — ^Attended the House. In the afternoon William Jones and
I went to the meadow and ferry house, where we drank coffee. My
horse broke loose and ran homeward, but one of the gentlemen of
the hunting company secured him and brought him back part
way.
March j. — ^The bill for moving the Legislature to Lancaster had a
second reading and a long debate. Dined at the Governor's with
General F. Nichols, John Hall, and David Meade.
March 6, — ^Dined with Mr. Barge, after which we took a walk. After
we parted I metR. B. Morgan and George Roberts on Chestnut
Street, and on passing George Fox's house he invited us in and
treated to wine.
ra»«e««nm«4n*^^^'**"^ ui i i '
226 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHBIUER.
March 14. — ^Spent the evening at Mr. Barge's with the Hon. Mr. Day-
ton, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and
his wife, Mr. Kittera and his wife, and Pearson Hunt and wife.
March 17. — Very windy. Attended at the State House. My bam at
Gravel Hill, 50 feet long by 22 feet wide was blown down.
March 18. — ^The Committee on Claims resumed the consideration of
the claim of General John Gibson, when we decided against allow-
ing him any compensation for the time he was absent from his
family in 1794.
March 20. — ^Took a walk with Mr. Barge, and went to his house to
dinner, which I usually do on Sundays.
March 26, — Attended the House. Dined at Dunwoody's on Market
Street, with Governor Mifflin, Benjamin Chew, Judge McKean,
Edward Shippen, Richard Peters, General Wayne, Daniel Brodhead,
Edward Duffleld, Mayor Clarkson, Charles Jarvis, Captain Anthony,
William Jones, Rey. Keen, Tench Francis, Judge Biddle, Andrew
Tybout, and Joseph Donaldson.
March 28. — At the State House. Dined with Governor Mifflin, Mr.
Haldeman, from Lancaster County, Rev. Dr. William Smith, and an
English gentleman. Spent the evening at Mr. Barge's with Hon.
Mr. Dayton and wife and Hon. Mr. Kittera and wife.
March jo, — ^Attended in my usual place in the House. At Gravel
Hill found the carpenters at work on my new barn.
April 7. — In the morning at the State House. Took a ride up the
Ridge Road to John Mifflin's place, and then along the canal and
over to Gravel Hill. After a meeting of the Committee on Claims,
we went to Dunwoody's tavern, drank two bottles of wine and two
bowls of punch.
April 4. — ^The Legislature adjourned. In the evening between thirty
and forty members of both houses met at Oellers's tavern, when Sen-
ator Samuel Postlethwaite was called to the chair and Robert Frazer
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 22/
made Secretary. We agreed to the selection of the following gen-
tlemen for Presidential Electors : Israel Whelen, Samuel Miles,
Thomas Bull, Henry Wynkoop, Valentine Eckhart, Robert Cole-
man, John Carson, John Arndt, William Willson, Samuel Postle-
thwaite, Jacob Hay, Benjamin Elliott, Ephraim Douglass, John
Woods, and Thomas Stokely.
April 21, — ^This afternoon Mr. Barge and I laid the foundation stone
of the house I am to build on Market Street adjoining the south-
west comer of Seventh, after which we took a ride along the canal.
April JO, — ^To-day the question was taken in the House on the treaty
with Great Britain. The vote stood 49 to 49, when Mr. Muhlen-
berg gave his vote in favor of the treaty.
May 2. — ^At noon, with John Wharton, in my chair took a ride along
the canal and on our return crossed the Upper Ferry and went to
Warner's Fish House, where we dined with Tench Francis, W.
Hall, Mr. Cooper, M. C, J Baker, William Gray, Hugh Roberts,
Robert and Thomas Hiltzheimer, J. Cox, and about forty more
gentlemen. Mr. Daily and Mr. Marshall sang a number of songs.
May 6, — Observed a crowd of people on Fifth Street going toward
Chestnut, and on inquiring found that the constables were taking
Bernard Shaffer to gaol for stabbing his brother-in-law, F. A.
Muhlenbei^, two days ago. Shaffer dangerously stabbed Con-
stable West when making the arrest.
May p. — This evening my daughter, Robert Erwin, and my son
Robert went to see the play called "Alexander the Great," it
being Mrs. Marshall's benefit.
May 1$,' — Miss Higby in my chair, and. Abraham Hunt, wife and
daughter, in their carriage, set out for Trenton.
May 16. — Mr. Hunt and I rode up to Lambertville on horseback.
The fishermen, eight in number, caught 60,200 herring just below
the town. They sell for $1 per thousand.
«*■
228 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
May 77. — Set out from Abraham Hunt's at five o'clock, drove twenty
miles to the sign of Washington to breakfast, and arrived in Phila-
delphia at half past ten.
May 20. — ^John Wharton and I went to the biirial of IL Will's wife,
on Third Street, to Friends' burial ground.
May ^/.— Took Mathias Slough, of Lancaster, in my chair to Gov-
ernor Mifflin's, at the Falls, where we dined with Matthew Mc-
Connell, Daniel Brodhead, Robert Westcott, John Hall, Robert
Erwin, Anthony Morris . William Gray, Thomas Forrest, Benjamin
Scull, Alexander Scott, Alderman Keen, and others
May 2y, — Called at Mr. Barge's and took him out riding, as he has
not been well, and spent the evening with him.
June 4, — Mr. Barge and I went to the State House yard, from thence
to my house, where we took my chair and rode to the meadows.
On our return we met, just below the stone bridge in the meadows,
our President, Washington, and lady in a coach and four, two pos-
tillions, and only one servant on horseback. In old countries a
man of his rank and dignity would not be seen without a retinue
of twenty or more persons.
June 12, — Dined with Mr. Barge and in the afternoon walked with
William Jones to Robert Morris's house, which attracts the atten-
tion of every one who sees it. One of the workmen told me that
it could not be finished under five summers.
June ij, — My daughter, vrith Robert Erwin, went to the play, and
Matthew Clarkson and I called to see William Jones and wife.
June 15. — General Walter Stewart was buried to-day, and I was
informed of the death of Mr. Higby, of Trenton.
June 16. — Rode to the meadows and Point House. Walked down to
Hunt's wharf with the Governor to see the vessel loaded with
cheese from New England.
June 21. — Breakfasted at Mr. Barge's at six o'clock, after which we
Tnmwm^nmmm
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 229
drove down the Chester Road to the Blue Bell and to the meadows,
returning by the way of Mr. Bingham's ferry, the last one down
the Schuylkill.
/une 2^, — Before bre^^kfast Mr. Barge and I drove to the ferry house
kept by one William Jones, at the mouth of the Schuylkill, and in
the evening repeated our visit to obtain a jug of buttermilk.
/une 2y. — ^To-day the well-known David Rittenhouse was buried
under a small building in the rear of his house, northwest corner
Seventh and Arch Streets.
July ^. — In the morning Jonathan Mifflin, Pearson Hunt, and myself,
went to the Governor's garden, back of his house on Market Street,
where a lunch with punch was served to the officers of the militia
and State Government
July p. — ^This afternoon had the raising supper on the second floor of
my new building intended for a store. The following gentlemen
were present : Judge John J. Henry, of Lancaster ; General Henry
Miller, of York ; Mr. Barge, Weidman, Robert Erwin, William and
Joseph Gray, Pearson Hunt, Jacob Cox, Edward Wells, Mr. Lybrand,
Tonking, Emerick, and others. Some of the gentlemen came over
to my house and sat under the grape arbor.
July lo. — Miss Higby, Pearson Hunt, and Mr. Milner went down to
the Blue Bell to break&st Just as they were leaving, my daughter
Molly, Julia Duffield, and two young gentlemen drove up to dine
there.
Jufy 12. — Drove to Gravel Hill before breakfast and around by Robert
Morris's stone qiiarry on Schuylkill, where I saw five teams loading
stone to be taken to the building at Seventh and Market Streets.
At the latter a large number of men are employed, as well as
building a wall around the lot
Jufy ig. — ^At three o'clock this morning Mr. Barge, his wife, and I set
out for the seashore, crossed at Dunk's ferry, and thence to Bur-
•s
230 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
lington to breakfast, and to Bordentown and dined at Davis's with
Dr. Burns and wife, of that town, and Mr. Bartow, of Philadelphia.
Nighted at Crosswix.
July 20. — Set out at three o'clock and breakfasted at David Clayton's
Burnt House, thence to Jacob Hart's, Colt's Neck, and arrived at
Alexander McGregor's, in Edenton, for the night.
July 21. — After breakfast set out for the seashore, four miles distant.
Called at Thomas Chandler's and McKnight's and found both inns
full. Returned to Edenton to dinner, and found there Mr. Morrell,
and wife and daughters, Mr. Clark, Mr. Compton, Mr. Pointell, Mr.
Wagner, Mr. Beck, Mr. Newbold, and others. Returned to the
shore, where Mr. Barge and I took a bath, after which we returned
to McGregor's for the night.
July 22. — ^Went again to the seashore and met Anthony Shafto at
Chandler's, where we dined. Accompanied Shafto to his house and
engaged rooms. Drove to Edenton, paid our bill, and returned to
our new lodgings, Shafto's, which is within three-quarters of a mile
of the seashore.
July 2j, — After breakfast Mr. Barge, wife, and I took a ride along the
shore in the direction of New York. Passed through Wardell's
plantation and on to the river, near which Mr. Bingham's house
stands on high ground, which affords a fine view in the direction
of Black Point Returned to our lodgings for dinner. William
Hunter, wife, and three children and Miss Mary Luken arrived here
from Philadelphia.
July 2^. — After breakfast the Hunter family and we in two carriages
drove along the shore to Chandler's, and after dining at Shafto's
drove to Edenton and back.
July 25. — Bathed with the Hunter family. In the afternoon Mr. Barge
and I drove to Edenton.
July 26. — We accompanied. the Hunter family to Chandler's, which is
»
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHSIMBK. 23 1
the headquarters for all Philadelphians to call to hear the news of
the day.
July 2y. — ^The Hunter family, Miss Luken» and we, drove to Shrews-
bury, stopped at Thompson's,. and drank punch and returned home
to dinner. Called at Chandler's as usual.
July 28. — ^This morning bathed with the Hunters, and so did Mrs.
Barge for the first time. Mr. Barge, after bathing in^e sea once,
and having tried the shower bath three times, has concluded that
neither are of benefit to him. Mr. Hunter, with several of his friends
and I drove to Deal, stopping at Brindley's mill to see the curious
maple tree, the roots of which in the form of an arch span the
stream. Visited the farms of Jacob Herbst, Jacob Corlies, and
White, which are fine. At Deal there is a body of water inland
called the Crab Pond.
July2g. — Bathed with Mr. Hunter and Miss Luken. After breakfast
drove along the shore to Chandler's, where we had some port wine.
Mr. Bevan, of Philadelphia, who lodges at Chandler's, dined with us.
July JO. — Mr. Barge was quite ill last night ; the rain came through
the roof on to his bed, and gave him gout in the knee. Mr. and
Mrs. Hunter and I rdde down to Corlies to see the water let out
of Crab Pond, and dined there with Captain Tingly, wife, and
daughter, Mr. Bond and wife, Mr. Rea and wife, Mr. Stockton,
Henry, Bevan, and others.
July ji. — At five o'clock Mr. and Mrs. Barge and myself set out for
home and left the Hunters at Shafto's. Break&sted at James
Craig's in Monmouth, went on to Crosswix, dined at Douglass's,
and remained over night. William Jones arrived from Philadelj^ia
and remaini^d over night.
August /.-—Mr. Barge had a very bad night We waited for break-
fast, then, to my great surprise, Mr. Barge desired to go on, so we
carried him to his carriage. Crossed the Delaware at Dunk's, fed
our horses at Kimball's, and proceeded to the Sign of General
232 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHSIUER.
Washington, where we dined and drank tea. Set out again and
reached Mr. Barge's house by dark. We carried him in, sufTering
great pain from his knee down to his foot
August s^ — Called to see Jacob Cox, who fell from his horse and was
much hurt in the left shoulder. My son Thomas's daughter
died — ^she was born the 23d of March, 1795', and has been ill a long
time.
August 6, — My granddaughter's corpse was taken to Friends' ground.
Arch Street, in General Brodhead's carriage, in which was her
father and my daughter Molly ; Rebecca Cox, Hannah Hiltzheimer,
and R. Erwin in Hall's carriage. William Gray and I walked.
August 7. — ^Went to the meadow and Point House before breakfast.
Dined at Mr. Barge's, who is still very ill with the gout.
August S. — Driving down to the meadow, met William Gray, Hugh
Roberts, my son Thomas, and William Hall, in the latter's carriage.
Stopped at the Sign of the Buck and drank punch.
August 18. — Called at the ropewalk and bought a pint of brown tar
for my daughter Molly, who has been sick some days. Went up
the canal as far as John Mifflin's, near which I met Anthony Benezet
and another gentleman in a chair.
August /p. — ^This forenoon took Mr. Barge out in my chair, the first
time since he was brought home with the gout from the seashore.
August 2j. — ^At six o'clock Christian Byerly and I attended the burial
of Mrs. Kidd, from her house in Market Street to Pine Street.
Titus Matlack was buried from the house of his son-in-law,
William Hunter, in Friends' ground, this morning.
August 26, — Took a ride with Mr. Barge by the Schuylkill, to show
him where Robert Morris is erecting the large building to manu-
facture iron by steam. Dined with William Jones, who lately re-
turned from the seashore.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 233
August 2J. — To-night called to see Mr. Barge, who complained much
of the gout in his head. Dr. Wister ordered him to be cupped at
once, and it was done.
August 28, — ^Went to church, and afterwards dined with Mr. Barge,
who is much better than last night.
August ji. — Received of Mr. Trimble the Governor's warrant for
^14,054.55, the balance for completing the President's house, which
amount I delivered to my brother commissioner, R. Wells. The
total cost was ^30.000.
September 7. — ^Took a ride along the banks of the Schuylkill, and
afterwards dined at Warner's Fish House with S amuel Mogj s, J.
Hews, William Jones, B. Scull, William Gray» Thomas Forest, John
M. Taylor, S. Wheeler, John Graff, and my two sons.
September 6. — Mr. Barge and I took a ride out Ridge Road, across
Turner's Lane and home via Germantown Road.
September 7. — In the afternoon Mr. Barge and I took a ride to Point
No Point. By invitation of Governor MifHin dined at Dunwoody's,
on turtle, with General Brodhead, F. Johnston, and John Hall, the
three Land officers ; Judge Yeates ; Dr. James Armstrong, of Carlisle ;
General Henry Miller, of York; Alexander Scott, George Camp-
bell, Exlward Fox, Joseph Thomas, John Baker, Matthew Mc-
Connell, General Harmar, and Captain Pike.
September /j. — Breakfasted with Mr. and Mrs. Barge at six o'clock,
after which we set out in carriage for Bristol, where we dined at
McEllroy's. On returning one of the horses nearly gave out,
owing to the extreme heat, within two miles of the city.
September 77. — Forenoon Mr. Barge rode with me out Ridge Road,
crossed over, returned through Frankford. Dined with Israel
Whelen and family, afterward went to the burial of Anthony
Morris's, daughter, who is grand-daughter of William Jones.
September /p.— Mr. Wells, F. Gumey and myself had the eagle taken
down from the President's house, repaired and then replaced.
16
I
HB^I ^ I
^^mm^^^'^'^^mmmSi'^m
234 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
September 20. — Mr. Bai^e and I took a ride up the canal to above
Mifflin's place. I read in Brown's paper of yesterday the Presi-
dent's address declining a renomination at the approaching election.
The advice he gives to the nation I hope will be remembered by all
good citizens to the end of time.
September 22, — Attended the burial of Christian Febiger, State
Treasurer, from his house on Market Street to the Presbyterian
ground on Arch near Fifth Street. Dined with Mr. Barge, and
afterwards we took a ride along the banks of the Schuylkill.
September 2j, — Delivered the key of my new store to William Har-
rison, who rents it at ^50 per annum.
September 24.. — Called to see my daughter Cox, and her son, who
was a week old yesterday and is a stout, good-looking boy.
Dined with Mr. Barge, after which we took a ride.
September 2g. — ^This evening went to comer of Spruce and Second
Streets, to Jacob Cox's, to witness the marriage of his daughter
Susanna to Robert Erwin, by Bishop White. About thirty couples
were present
September jo, — Mr. Barge and I took a ride up the canal as &r as
Mr. Williams's place ; afterward we met Mr. Hysham and B. Scull,
and went to Robert Erwin's on Eighth Street, to drink punch with
him, where we met a large number of gentlemen.
October i. — ^At noon went again to Robert Erwin's and there met
Moses Cox. I found still a number of persons going in and out,
and was told by the young ladies up stairs that they kept an
account of the gentlemen callers yesterday, who numbered 170,
and that nearly as many had called to-day.
October 11. — Election day ; went to the State House and voted for
county and State officers.
October /j. — ^To-day I received the eleventh notice from the Judges
of the Election of my being elected a Representative of the city
in the Assembly.
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHBIMER. 235
October i8, — Mr. Toderhirst and I drove down the Chester Road to
Richard Tutton's, and dug up in his field near the house what is
called cotton stone. When it is washed and dried it looks white
and fuzzy, and if laid in oil will bum like a candle for a long time,
and fire will not consume it. When it has been in use for a long
time, and becomes dirty, it is thrown into the fire to clean it
October 2j. — ^Went to church in the forenoon. After dinner Lewis
Weiss, Elsq., was buried in the Moravian ground, on Vine Street.
October 26. — ^The stone-cutter set the top stone of the steps at the
President's house on Ninth Street
October jo. — Went to Samuel Newlin's, a mile below Darby, and dined
with his family and seven young ladies and gentlemen. After din-
ner Hugh Lloyd called and was glad to see me. We used to be
quite intimate when he was a member of the Assembly.
October j/. — ^Weather rainy and unpleasant General Washington
and his lady came to town.
November /. — ^This morning about five o'clock a fire broke out in
William Hunter's stable, in the rear of his house on the north side
of Market Street above Eighth, adjoining Surveyor General
Brodhead's office, where all the valuable papers are kept belonging
to the State. It is reported that some lime, near some boards by
the stable, began to slack from a slight rainfall, which caused the
fire.
November 2- — ^A young gentleman by the name of Braham, fi-om Win-
chester, Virginia, with a letter from Nancy Clayton, took break&st
with me.
Novetnber ^.— Went to the State House and voted for fifteen Presi-
dential electors, who with those fi^om other States, are to choose a
President and Vice-President of the United States, to serve for four
years.
November 12 f-^x. and Mrs. Barge, Dr. Bums and wife from Borden-
town, and myself, went to see the elephant, on the south side of
immmt^mmammmm^mm^mmmmmmmmmmmmamt^m^mmi^^'^^tmmmt^^^mtmmmm^mmmfi^
236 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
Market between Third and Fourth Streets. It is the first one I
have seen.
November 18, — In the forenoon went with the Governor, Colonel
Gumey, John Hall, P. Baynton, Major Lenox, B. R. Morgan and
others to the house on Ninth Street, intended for the President of
the United States.
November 20. — Before break&st drove to the meadow and Point
House. Went to church, and afterwards had to dinner with me,
William Gray, Mr. Levis, Robert Westcott, J. M. Taylor, and my
two sons, with daughter Hannah.
November 27. — ^This morning the first sermon was preached in the
Lutheran church on Fourth Street, since it was destroyed by fire,
December 26, 1794.
November 28, — Mr. Efarge and I took a ride, and in returning by
Robert Morris's stone quarry, found the Schuylkill frozen over at the
upper bridge. This is very uncommon at this season. The old
rule that winter never sets in until the ditches and ponds are filled
with water, does not hold good this year, for we have had no rain
since the 3d of September.
November 2g, — ^Dined with the Governor and his son-in-law. After
dinner we went to General Brodhead's, where we met John Hall
and Jonathan Jones.
December 6. — ^The Legislature met this afternoon, but no quorum was
present
December p. — ^At noon the Speaker of the House and the members
proceeded to the Senate Chamber, where Thomas MifHin delivered
his address, which occupied fifty minutes. The several subjects
were well treated and still better delivered.
December J2. — Dined at the Governor's with Thomas Campbell,
Abraham Shultz, J oseph Tyson , Jacob Saylor, and Mr. Weirich, of
the House ; John Hall and the Governor's son-in-law, Hopkinson.
<
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMEIL 23/
Deamier is* — ^Went to the President's house on Ninth Street, which
I usually do once daily.
December ij. — At noon the Assembly went to the Presbyterian church
on Market Street, where Dr. Rush, a member of the Philosophical
Society, pronounced an eulogium in memory of their late president,
David Rittenhouse. The church was crowded. President Washing-
ton and lady, with members of Congress being present
December 20. — ^At noon the Assembly walked to the Court House on
Market Street, and proclaimed the election for the third time of
Governor Mifflin. Owing to being confined to his house, the
Governor was unable to attend.
December 27. — During the evening my daughters told me that they
had crossed the river Delaware on the ice, with Robert Erwin and
his wife's sister.
1797.
^ January 6, — ^Went to our Speaker's, George Latimer, on Pine Street by
the waterside, and dined with Senator James Ross ; Senator Taze-
well, of Virginia ; Senator Latimer, of Delaware ; (our Speaker's
brother) ; Francis Gumey, R. Wain, Joseph Ball, members of the
House; Mr. Miller, Clement Stocker, Mr. Smith, Mr. Swift, and
Mr. Pratt.
January 8, — From Race Street wharf I walked on the ice to Cooper's
Ferry and back ; saw thousands of people, horses and sleighs, and
booths on the ice.
January 10, — ^The Senate and House elected Peter Baynton, late
clerk of the House, State Treasurer, in the place of the late
Christian Febiger.
January 12. — ^Joseph Bullock was elected Qerk of the House on the
second ballot, in the place of Peter Ba}mton, resigned
Mi
238 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
January 20. — At three o'clock dined with Levi Hollingsworth, Israel
Whelen, Dennis Whden, Francis Gumey, Lawrence Seckel, John
Hulme, Theophilus Foulke, R. Stover, Thomas Boude, Thomas
Campbell, John Coolbaugh, Thomas Grant, William Henderson,
Samuel Marshall, Jonas Preston, at Robert Wain's, on Second Street,
member of the House. He is a man of uncommon understanding,
a good speaker, and can reply to a member who is opposed to him,
with temper and good reasoning. His house is richly furnished,
and he has a large lot and garden in the rear. Mr. Wain sat at one
end of the table and his wife at the other.
January 22, — My daughters told me that yesterday when they drove
to the upper bridge, they saw an ox roast on the ice on the
Schuylkill.
January 26. — Met the Committee on Claims and decided against the
claim of John Hazelwood for ;£'i32.
January 2y. — In returning from the meadows, up Front Street, stopped
to look at Mr. Brown's, the printer's house, which was on fire this
morning, and was told that Mrs. Brown, two daughters, one son '
and a negro boy perished in the flames.
January 28. — ^While at Mr. Barge's this evening, the cry of fire was
raised, and ascertained it was the brewery of Jacob Morgan, in
Moravian Alley. Mrs. Brown and her children, who were burned
to death yesterday, were buried in three coffins in the graveyard of
St. Paul's church. (Mr. Brown soon followed his wife and children,
— he was buried February 5th.)
February J. — ^Went down to Chestnut Street wharf to see the ice move
— ^the river has been closed since December 23d last To-day the
report concerning the controversy about lands in the Wyoming
Valley, which was made to the House on January i6th, was read
for the second time, in Committee of the Whole, John Shoemaker
in the chair. William Maclay, member from Dauphin, spoke first,
and he was followed by John Franklin, of Luzerne, until two o'clock.
I II ! IIBII I I B B I I I I .111 ll | I , - ■■^,..„ ,-,„ .
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 239
February 4. — ^John Franklin resumed his argument and spoke for one
hour and fifty minutes.
February 7. — ^The Wyoming controversy again brought up, and Mr.
Maclay spoke two hours in favor of the report, he being a member
of the Committee.
February 8, — ^The House again took up the Wyoming controversy,
Mr. Shoemaker in the chair. Mr. C. Evans, of Montgomery
county, spoke one hour and forty-five minutes, against the report,
and Mr. Power, of Cumberland, about fifteen minutes. The Com-
mittee reported progress.
February p. — Wyoming matter again before the house. Mr. Robert
Wain spoke thirty minutes against the report, and was replied to
by Mr. Maclay. Mr. West, from Delaware county, made a few
. observations in opposition to Maclay. Committee reported progress.
February Jo. — House went into Committee of the Whole, John Shoe-
maker again in the chair. Mr. John Smilie, from Fayette county,
spoke in &vor of the report for forty-five minutes ; John Franklin
spoke one hour and three quarters, refuting the charges made
against him and other Connecticut claimants.
February 11. — ^The Wyoming controversy again called up. Mr.
Maclay followed up his argument of former days; then Robert
Frazer, of Chester County, spoke half an hour, opposing Maclay in
part. The Committee of the Whole agreed to the report brought
in by the Special Committee, and of course Mr. Wain's substitute
fell. It was argued by the minority that the report was unconstitu-
tional; besides it was thought it made no distinction between those
Connecticut claimants who settled on the lands before the decree
of the Commissioners at Trenton, December 30, 1782, and those
who settled there afterwards. On the Speaker resuming the chair,
Mr. Shoemaker reported that the Committee of the Whole had
agreed to report, and it was read to the House and agreed to by a
vote of forty-six to fourteen.
240 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
February 75. — ^The House agreed to the address which is to be
delivered to President Washington, by Messrs. Joseph Ball, Robert
Frazer, and Mr. Power, the yeas and nays being called, 45 to 26.
February 16. — ^At noon the Senate and House re-elected James Ross,
of Pittsburgh, United States Senator.
February 77. — ^At noon the Speaker of the House with a number of
members waited on President Washington with the address of the
House.
February 18, — ^At four o'clock I went with the following members of
the House and dined with that great and good man, George Wash-
ington, President of the United States, who will retire from office
on March 4th next, at which time John Adams, the present Vice-
President, will take his place : Speaker Latimer, J. Bull, Gumey,
Wain, and Seckel, of Philadelphia ; Keys, Boude, Carpenter, and
Brown, of Lancaster ; Hulme, Foulke, Stover, and Van Horn, of
Bucks; Frazer, Bull, and Hannum, of Chester; McPherson,
Turner, Miller, and Stewart, of York; and Marshall, of Hunt-
ingdon. Our Speaker sat between the President and his lady, and I
on the left of the President
February 22, — ^The House adjourned at noon and the members gen-
erally went and paid their respects to President Washington, this
being his birthday. A salute was fired. At two o'clock dined with
my son-in-law, Jacob Cox, southeast corner Fourth and Market
Streets, with old Mr. Cox, John Dunlap, William Gray, Dennis
Whelen, Abraham Carpenter, John Patton, Benjamin Scull, William
Hall, Robert Erwin, Peter Brown, John Graff, William Miller,
William Forrest, and Thomas Hiltzheimer. Mr. Barge came in
after dinner was over.
March 2, — Mr. Hulme and Van Horn, of the House, breakfasted with
me. In the afternoon Governor Mifflin and the members of both
houses visited the President's house on Ninth Street
March 4. — At noon our house adjourned to attend in Congress Hall,
where the new President, John Adams, was proclaimed. Cannons
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 24I
were fired from the lot at the northwest comer Walnut and Sixth
Streets.
March 6. — General Washington, our late worthy President, set out
with his family toward his seat in Virginia.
March j, — ^Went from the State House with John Shoemaker, of the
House, and about a dozen members, to the gaol, to see the prisoners ^
at work at different trades. We saw six men cutting nails, and
twelve making heads to them ; a number sawing marble, others
making shoes, and women spinning. All the criminals are put to
work and are allowed a certain sum of money per week ; none are
hanged except for murder.
March p. — In Committee of the Whole, the bill was read which was
formed on the report debated from February 3d to i ith, concerning
the Wyoming disturbances.
March 10. — ^The Wyoming affairs again before the Committee of the
Whole, Mr. Bull in the chair. Went to the State House in the
afternoon, to a Committee meeting ; Leiper against Ross, Delaware
County. Mr. Dallas spoke in behalf of the former.
March 16. — ^The Wyoming matter was brought up on the nth 14th,
15th, and to-day, in Committee of the Whole.
March 18. — ^The Wyoming bill was again before the House and was
gotten through with.
March 26. — President John Adams's proclamation calling Congress
together May 15th, for important business, has been issued.
April 2. — Mr. Barge and I drove down to see the Federal ship which
is to be launched this week.
April J. — Drove up the canal as &r as Judge Williams's place, for-
merly Macphersons, and returned by the Ridge Road.
April ^, — ^The House sat until 9.30 before the business was concluded,
when we adjourned to August 28th next
242 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
April II. — With Mr. Standley and Barge drove in a carriage to Stand-
ley's place, and in the meadow, where there were some fine cattle, Mr.
Barge and I got out. Before Mr. Standley could alight the horses
started off; the driver caught hold of the ofT horse, but fell and the
carriage passed over him. On a full run they started around the
field, until they were stopped by striking a fence post, when, Mr.
Standley got out unhurt. No damage was done and the driver com-
plained only a little of being sore.
April 21. — In the evening went to the play; it being W. Bates's
benefit, I bought Box No. 3.
April 2 J, — Daniel Benezet and wife were buried to-day — they died
within ten hours of each other.
May 4., — Mr. Barge and I in my chair, John Dunlap, Robert Erwin,
William Gray, Hugh Roberts, and George Weed in Dunlap's car-
riage ; Pearson Hunt and Major Armstrong on horseback, went to
see Dunlap's meadows, and on our return stopped at Paschall's, Sign
of the Blue Bell, where we had several bottles of wine. My son-
in-law Jacob Cox met us there.
May 9. — In the evening Mrs. Barge and I went to Lailson's Circus,
on Fifth Street south of Chestnut, where we saw some wonderful
equestrian acts.
May 10, — Dined with Mr. Barge, afler which we went down in my
chair to the old fort in Southwark, where was launched the frigate
United States, to carry forty-four guns. The launch was conducted
by Commodore Barry, in view of possibly 20,000 spectators, who
crowded the shore and on the river.
May 16. — In the afternoon a genteel young man by the name of Glenn,
a physician, and grandson of Dr. William Jones, of Georgia, who at
the time of our Revolution was a member of Congress and lived
in my house at Southwest comer Seventh and Market, called to see
me. He boards at Joseph Webster's, Jenkintown, where my son
Robert boards, by whom he was desired to call on me.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHBIMER. 243
May ig. — Molly Ogden and my daughter Molly drove in my chair to
see Mn Bartram's garden, on the west side of the Schuylkill.
May 20. — In the evening went to Moses Cox's, to witness the marriage
of his daughter Peggy to Major Freeman, by Bishop White.
May 24,. — Mr. Barge and I went to Gravel Hill and from thence to
Seider's, called the upper Ferry, which he recently bought of John
Britton, as the corporation and he could not agree about the rent
for the Middle Ferry. Seider told us he offered them ;£'i200 a
year for it.
May 26, — ^William Jones and I in my chair, went to George Esterley's,
Harrowgate, and found a fine garden, large, and in good order, laid
out with serpentine walks and round ponds of water. We had a
glass of punch, with fish, ham, beef and coffee as a relish.
May 28, — ^At noon met Thomas and Norton Pryor; went with them
to the late David Rittenhouse's observatory, to set the time piece
there, which they have done since the death of that great man.
June /. — ^While out riding with Mr. Barge we called on Robert
Morris' s gardener, who made us some very good lemon punch,
the fruit grown in the garden, and showed us a number of pine-
apples growing and likewise two coffee trees in bloom.
June IT. — Heard that Thomas Blount had sent a challenge to George
Thatcher to fight a duel. Both are members of the House of Rep-
resentatives of the United States.
June 75. — ^This evening went to Moses Cox's, on Spruce Street, and
witnessed the marriage of his daughter Betsey to Captain Poole, by
Bishop White.
June 16. — ^At noon called on Captain Poole and his wife. Attended
the funeral of Judge James Biddle, from his house on Seventh
Street, to the Church yard on Arch Street
June 20, — Mr. Barge and I drove to the Middle Ferry to see the mast,
ninety feet long, which Witmer brought down on his wag<Hi, of
three pairs of wheels and nine horses, from Wright's Ferry, on the
f^
244 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
Susquehanna. It weighs about nine tons. It was unloaded into
the Schuylkill and is to be towed around to the city. Mr. Tench
Francis told us it cost about f 200, and that it is intended for the
Algerine government, under the treaty.
June 22, — ^After dinner Mr. Barge and I went to William SheaiTs
place on Shippen's Lane ; saw his fine garden. He invited us in to
lunch, with F. A. Muhlenberg, J. Nixon, Mr. Thomas, Ex-Senator,
Ross and Mr. Sperry. We had dried beef and tongue of the ten-
derest kind and some extraordinary fine wine, for which Mr. Sheaff
is noted.
July /. — I went to the Schuylkill lot ; met the Hon. George Latimer,
and the two Smith's at Colonel Gumey's place on Schuylkill ; in the
city, where I was kindly received by the Colonel and his wife, we
had a lunch with wine.
July 2, — ^Went to Mrs. Marshall's, at Gloucester Point, and there had
breakfast. Just as I was leaving, my daughter Cox with her two
children drove up, and we returned together. Dined at Mr. Barge's,
then I went to church, and at seven o'clock attended the burial of
Henry Keppele, aged eighty-one years, on Market near Third
Street, to the grave3^rd on Fifth Street adjoining the old Lutheran
Church. The attendance was unusually large.
July ^ — In the afternoon Christopher Byerley and I in my chair
drove to Harrowgate, where we saw many people, and from thence
to Bush Hill, where we saw still more, all spending money.
July s. — Mr. Cunningham's country seat, late the property of Thomas
Lawrence, three miles from the city, was burned down.
July 7. — The House of Representatives of the United States appointed
Samuel Sitgreaves to appear before the Bar of the Senate and im-
peach William Blount, one of their members, and also demand that
he be sequestered from his seat. He also entered into bonds for
^20,000 and his brother Thomas Blount, and Fierce Butler, each of
them f 15,000 as his sureties. In the evening Mr. Barge and I took
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 24$
a ride to Bush Hill to see William Bates, and from thence to Peter
Kuhn's country seat on Turner's Lane, where we drank tea.
July lo. — I learned that on Saturday the Senate of the United States
expelled Mr. Blount from his seat.
July I J. — Mr. Barge and I early this morning went to Germantown,
to the burial of Sarah Paris, daughter of the late Mr. Stoneburner.
On our way home cklled at Colonel Thomas Forrest's, and there
dined at two o'clock with James Ash, Esq., who is again a candi-
date for sheriff.
July i6. — Forenoon went to Church and dined with Mr. Barge. In
the afternoon we drove up Point no Point road to Geisse's place,
formerly William Parr's, where I have not visited for many years.
July i8, — Mr. Barge and I took a ride down to the meadows, at the
mouth of Hollander's Creek. After dinner we went with Peter
Kuhn to his lot, lately a part of Robert Morris's garden, where he
showed us his grape vines loaded down with grapes. I have not
seen so many in one place since I left Germany.
July 21. — Mr. Barge and I took a ride. Stopped at Casin's tavern
and had a drink, and met Joseph Wharton, with a member of
Congress from Connecticut, H. Sheaff and several others.
July 26, — Mr. Barge and I went with Governor Mifflin to his place on
the west side of the Schuylkill opposite the Falls. We dined at
the Falls, where my son-in-law Cox, joined us.
July 28. — ^Took a ride to the Upper Ferry to see Seider's contrivance
for bringing water from a spring in his garden, through pipes into
his bar-room on one side and out on the other, and into the Schuyl-
kill.
July ^p. — Mr. Barge and I took a ride down along the banks of the
Schuylkill, to view the Frenchman's place, which Mr. James
Milligan sold.
August I. — At six o'clock Mr. Barge and I drove to Elliot's, near
Darby, to visit my daughter Cox and children, where they are to
. I I ----- ■..,..
< *
246 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
board two or three weeks. Breakfasted with the femily and then re-
turned home by the way of the lower ferry.
August 7. — ^To-day I handed Hugh Roberts, one of the Street Com-
missioners, a petition signed by residents along Seventh Street, for a
pump.
August II, — ^This evening the Rev. Mr. Helmuth married my
daughter Molly to W. Rogers.
August 77. — ^The letter of Dr. John Redman, President of the College
of Physicians, addressed to Governor Mifflin, with regard to the
malignant fever which has appeared in Penn Street, was printed to-
day.
August 18, — Met at the State House, Governor Mifllin, agreeably to a
letter received from Secretary A. J. Dallas, concerning the ap-
proaching session of the Legislature, and the fever on Penn near
Pine Street. There was present Judges McKean and Smith,
Doctors S. Duffield and Wister ; Robert Hare, Israel Whelen, B. R.,
Morgan, Newlin and Z. Potts, of the Senate, Francis Gumey,
J. Bull and Laurence Seckel, of the House, and Messrs. Leib,
Worrell, Linnard, Eyre, Shoemaker, Evans, Tyson Preston and
West It appears that since the arrival of the Ship Hinde, on the
5th instant, twenty-eight persons were taken down with the fever
and eleven died.
August 20. — ^While out riding met Mr. Mays with his wife and
children and Miss de Hart of Virginia, in their coach and four, on
the way to Elizabethtown. After parting with them at the Bell
we drove to near the mouth of the Schuylkill and crossed.
August 22, — ^The father of my son-in-law W. Rogers, with Dr.
Dewees and wife, drank tea at my house.
August 2^, — ^The number of deaths reported by the difierent churches
of this city and suburbs since the ist instant, is 211, of which 105
were children. I now remember that in the autumn of 1762, a fever
which I believe to be like the present one alarmed the citizens very
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 247
much, but it was insignificant compared to the present one or that
of four years ago.
August 2p. — At ten o'clock attended the House. The Governor de-
livered his address to both houses. An appropriation of {10,000
to the Committee of Health, for the relief of the poor sick, was
passed The House then adjourned sine die. Their abrupt ad-
journment is owing to the contagious fever in the southeastern
and lower districts of the city.
August JO. — ^The deaths during the last twenty-four hours numbered
only eight adults and six children. It is surprising that so insignifi-
cant a number should create so much excitement in this city as
well as in the country.
August ji, — I sold three lots on Eighth Street near Vine, nineteen feet
front by ninety feet deep, at i^i.50 per foot a year, to Messrs. Edward
Hughes, John Alexander and Jacob Ford.
September i. — I observe that people are still moving from the city,
notwithstanding the mortality is abating.
September j. — Before breakfast drove over Schuylkill to Benjamin
Brannan's, to visit Moses Cox and £unily, who moved on account
of the fever in their neighborhood. After breakfast went to Elliot's,
where Jacob Cox and his £sunily are boarding. Returned home
after dinner.
September 4, — Breakfasted at Mr. Barge's, after which we took a ride*
to William Standley's, and from thence through Bensell's Lane and
down the Germantown road home. Y^e met a number of our
citizens anxious to hear of af&irs in the city.
September 11, — ^With MnBarge in my chair we drove to Squire Elliot's
to breakfast, and from thence Jacob Cox went with us to his fiither
at Brennan's. We all drove to Miller's Sign of the Buck, where wc
dined, and then each returned home.
248 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
September 12. — Mr. Barge and I drove up the Ridge Road to visit
William Standley, who is sick in bed, and found Dr. Wister with
him. The doctor invited us in, we shook hands and then left.
September zg, — Break&sted with Mr. Barge, after which he and Mrs.
Barge rode with me to Jonathan Miller's Sign of the Buck, on the
Lancaster road, and dined there with Mr. and Mrs. GraiT, Mr. Kress,
and two gendemen. From there we drove to Brannan's to visit my
daughter's family.
October 3. — Mr. Barge and I took a drive up the Ridge Road to en-
gage 100 heads of cabbage for sour kraut. Claypoole's paper con-
tains the account of a man who fell suddenly on Arch Street and
was examined by two physicians who pronounced him dead. A
coffin was sent for, into which his body was placed, and as it was
being carried off, he began to rap on the lid, upon which he was
helped out. The man is now alive.
October 5. — Dined at Warner's Fish House with William Jones,
William Gray, William Hall, Edward Shoemaker, Joseph Cowper-
thwaite and my son Thomas.
Octobers. — Dined at Mr. Barge's, which I have done ever since my
family went out of town, the 15th of last month.
October 10. — Mr. Barge and I went to the State House and voted for
Sheriflf, one Senator, six Assemblymen, and one County Commis-
sioner. Dined at Mr. Barge's with John Dunlap, Henry SheafT, a
son of William SheafT, and Levi HoUingsworth.
October 15. — Breakfasted and dined with my &mily at Brannan's, after
which we walked over to neighbor Garritt's and found him sick
with gout On our return found John Sellers and another neighbor
who called to see me. Returned home in the afternoon.
October 18, — ^A false report of the death of General Washington
reached the city.
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 249
October 20. — ^Went over the Schuylkill to Brannan's, and after dinner
brought my family home. It is just five weeks since they left the
city.
November 10. — ^John Adams, President of the United States, arrived at
his house on Market Street, escorted by the three troops of light-
horse.
November /j. — ^To-day Congress met, but no quorum was present.
November 2j, — Messrs. Wells and Gurney came to my house, where
we examined and signed the accounts for the President's house on
Ninth Street, after which we lodged them with Receiver General
Samuel Bryan.
November JO, — Matthew Clarkson and I took a ride in my chair to
the Schuylkill and found it frozen over. We returned by the canal
and Ridge Road.
December 5. — ^This afternoon went to the State House, it being the
day appointed by the Constitution for the Legislature to meet.
December 6. — ^Went to the State House and elected George Latimer,
Speaker.
December /j. — Attended the Assembly, and after adjourning Joseph
Webster of Montgomery county dined with me.
December 16. — Attended at the State House. A committee was
selected to try a contested election in Lycoming county, between
Jacob Shoemaker, the sitting member, and Hugh White. First the
names of members present were called (seventy), then their names
were written on the same number of pieces of pap^r, rolled up and
placed in three different boxes. Clerk Bullock then took out one
at a time and handed it to the Speaker, who opened them and
called out the name. Two tellers, Mr. Leib and Henderson, wrote
them down. The contestants sat near the table to object to such
members as they deemed proper, without giving any reason, until
seventeen were selected. Then the parties withdrew to a Committee
17
•J
" " ' i '
250 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
room with the Clerk, when eight names were stricken off, reducing
the number to nine. On the return of the nine members the
Speaker administered the oath, that they will truly try and decide
which party shall be admitted to the House. John Lloyd, of
Montgomery county, dined at my house.
December 20. — A conmiittee was 'selected to try the election contest
between Boileau, the sitting member, and Pauling, of Montgomery
county. After the House adjourned Speaker Latimer with myself
and several members went to George Bickham's, on Market street,
to drink punch, whose daughter was married to Washington Finney.
December 25* — Dined at Mr. Barge's with young Mr. Bohlen, and his
relatives Knoll and Souder, recently arrived from Germany.
December 28. — On my way to the State House, paid twenty-five cents
to see a lion.
1798.
January /. — Forenoon Edward Wells brought his accounts for build-
ing a small house adjoining the one I live in ; an addition to the
one my son Thomas lives in ; and a store in Market Street, adjoin-
ing the comer house. In the afternoon attended at the State House,
as a member of the House of Representatives.
January 4. — ^Attended at the State House forenoon. Dined with my
son-in-law, Jacob Cox, and so did the following gentlemen: —
Governor Mifflin, my son-in-law's father, Peter Baynton, William
Gray, Robert Erwin, Mr. — Pool, and William Hall. John Hall
came in after dinner and sat, down with us. From thence I went to
the State House to meet the Committee on Claims, of which I am
chairman.
January 10, — Had to breakfast with me Thomas Campbell, from York
County; Mr. Kirk, from Chester County, and Doctor Preston, from
Delaware County, all members of the House of Representatives ;
afterwards we went to the State House.
^
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 2$ I
January /f. — ^Went with Philip Gardner, a member from York County,
to the House at the southwest corner of Chestnut and Fourth
Streets to see the dwarf, Calvin Phillips, born in Massachusetts. He
is seven years old, twenty-six inches high^ weighs twelve pounds, is
very smart, and it was pleasing to see him walk about the
room. *
January /p. — ^Attended in my usual place. Afternoon met at the Pre-
sident's house, Ninth Street, a committee, on a memorial from fifty-
one subscribers praying to be incorporated to build a bridge across
the Delaware at Trenton.
January 22. — At the State House we had before the House four wit-
nesses, and examined them concerning a certain magistrate, Henry
Shoemaker, Esq., of Lycoming County, holding out threats to pre-
vent the above witnesses coming to Philadelphia to attend on the
committee of nine members elected by the House to try and decide
the contested election between Jacob Shoemaker and Hugh White,
of said county, which they have done in iavor of Hugh White,
Esq. Jacob Shoemaker was the sitting member.
January 2^ — ^The resolution before the House to address the Governor,
to remove Henry Shoemaker, Esq., from office, was debated three
hours and a half, and at three o'clock the House adjourned.
January 25 - — ^To-day the subject was again debated concerning H.
Shoemaker. The following gentlemen were re-elected directors of
the Bank of Pennsylvania : George Bickham^ Jacob Morgan, and
Charles Biddle.
January 26. — Forenoon attended in my place. The resolution con-
cerning H. Shoemaker was again taken up, and at last a committee
of seven members appointed to make out specifications against him
and report to the House. The House went into a Committee of
the Whole, Doctor Preston in the chair. On the bill for a turnpike
road through Germantown to the twelfth mile stone on the Read-
ing road, Mr. C. Evans spoke one and a half hours, stating the im-
-C5-
252 DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIUEIL
propriety of a toll road ; that it will be against the will of a large
majority of the people.
January 2y. — Forenoon attended in my place. The House went into
Committee of the Whole, Dr. Preston again in the chair. The turn-
pike bill was before the House. Mr. Evans again spoke, and followed
up his yesterday's speech,, and Mr. Wain and Mr. William Maclay
replied. The question on the first section was put, and carried. Mr.
Evans yesterday expressed himself unbecomingly, I think, saying
that the members' noses were made of wax and would draw any-
where. I suppose he meant those who did not vote with him.
January jo. — Attended in my place. The turnpike bill, as yesterday,
was again proceeded on. Doctor Preston in the chair.
February /. — Attended the House. Dr. Preston again in the chair.
Dined at my son-in-law Cox's, so did William Hall, and Doctor
Preston from Delaware County. After dinner would have gone to
the burial of Richard Willing, who was brought from his farm on
the west side of the Schuylkill, to his brother's in Third Street, but
having to attend the Committee on Claims, at the President's house
on Ninth Street, could not attend the burial of my worthy old
friend.
February 2. — ^Afterthe House adjourned the Speaker, Mr. Latimer, and
the larger part of the members, went up Market to Twelfth Street, to
drink punch with Mr. John Dunlap, who had a daughter married
last night to Mr. William Forrest, son to Colonel T. Forrest, of
Germantown. The turnpike bill so long in hand got through in the
Committee.
February 12, — Colonel Will, late Sheriff, was buried.
February 16. — Reading Claypoole's paper of this day I observed another
fracas had happened yesterday in the House of Representatives of
the United States, between two members of the same. Mr. Griswold
with a walking stick beat Mr. Lyon severely before Lyon could get
something to defend himself. This fracas was occasioned by the
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 253
insult of Lyon spitting in Mr. Griswold's hce a few day since^ in )
the same place.
February 21. — ^At 1 1 o'clock, the House adjourned to Monday, ten
o'clock, on account of the room being wanted to-morrow for the
election of a Senator in the place of Israel Israel, whose seat was
declared void by a Committee of the Senate recently, on account of
some unlawful vote's being received at his election in October last
February 24^ — The House of Representatives of the United States
finished debating on the disorderly behavior of two of its mem-
bers, Roger Griswold of Connecticut and Matthew Lyon of
Vermont Afternoon went to look at the river at Market Street
wharf, and observed the ice was still going off. A flat with wood
came up; hickory wood sold for ^18 a few days ago.
February 28. — ^Attended the House. The report on the Wyoming
matter in Luzerne County was taken up in the Committee of the
Whole, Colonel Forrest in the chair. Mr. William Maclay spoke
first, Mr. Wain answered him, and Mr. Welles from Luzerne County,
spoke fifteen minutes exceedingly well, in opposition to Mr. Maclay.
March 5. — Forenoon attended the House. The bill for moving the
seat of government to Wright's Ferry on the Susquehanna, debated
to two o'clock in Committee of the Whole, Thomas Forrest in the
chair.
March ^.—Attended in my place ; at five o'clock went with many of
the members of both branches of the Legislature to the burial of
the late Colonel A. Hubley, of Lancaster, who died at the hospital
and was buried from the house of Henry Keppele, Esq., on Chest-
nut Street.
March 8. — In the evening went to the schoolhouse in Third Street,
adjoining the meeting-house at the comer of Arch Street, and
there met four members of the Senate, Israel Whelen, Mr. Brown,
Mr. Erwin and Mr. Brandon ; Mr. Ball, Mr. Seckel and myself from
the House of Representatives ; where also appeared Mr. Rogers,
■^»«»<W»yW»^WW»P*P^»«^»'«l«IW<»<»aWI»*^^*»**"^**'*'^**WI>^ "!■ ■^■■■■■t*"^^ w
254 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
Mr. Green and Mr. Ustick of the Clergy ; and three friends of the
people called Quakers; also Mr. Ralston and Magoffin, to hear their
proposals concerning the enactment of laws to prevent vice and
immorality.
March ly — Forenoon attended the House and half after eleven o'clock
the bill for moving the seat of government to Wright's Ferry was
debated in Committee of the Whole, Thomas Forrest in the chair.
The debate lasted until four o'clock.
March 20, — ^Attended the House. Mr. ,Maclay, from Dauphin County,
offered and handed to the chair a resolution, that this House instruct
our Representatives in Congress to oppose the measures of going
to war with any nation or nations of Europe, in particular not with
France, without they invade our Territory by land ; which was fol-
lowed by a debate of three hours.
March 2j, — ^The bill for moving the seat of Government had its
third reading, 38 votes for, to 36 against it.
March 24, — Forenoon attended in my place. The House went in
Committee of the Whole on the report concerning the Wyoming
controversy, Colonel Forrest in the chair. This is the fourth time
this session this report has been debated.
March 26, — Both branches of the Assembly, with their Speakers, Mr.
Hare and Mr. Latimer, attended the burial of Samuel Ainsworth,
a member of the House from Dauphin County. His remains were
taken from his lodgings on Fourth Street, to the graveyard in Arch
Street a little above Fifth Street.
April /J. — Subscribed for two shares, ten dollars each, of stock of
bridge across Schuylkill at Market Street, and paid down two dollars.
Spent part of the afternoon and evening at Mr. Barge's ; so did Mr.
Hasenclever and Mr. Bohlen the younger.
April 28. — Breakfasted at Mr. Barge's, after which he, F. A. Muhlen-
berg, Jacob Sperry, his son-in-law, and a nephew of Muhlenberg's,
from Lancaster, and Mr. Barge's boy, George, and myself went in
^^^VW*^*^i«>«*-'*^W*i^«l4^«
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 25$
Kuhler's wagon to Fort Mifflin, where we dined with Henry Muh-
lenberg, who commands the soldiers at the Fort About 200 men
were at work, and a French gentleman with one arm is engineer.
May J. — My daughter Hannah and her sister took a ride with my
horse and chair before breakfast After breakfast Mr. Bai^e and I
rode up to Mr. Standley's at Point, and on our way called at the
Widow Sanders's. Called at Easterly's, Harrowgate, and had a
drink. In the afternoon, Mr. Barge and I, by an invitation m writ-
ing of my neighber John Stock, went to his new paint shop, and
there saw Moses striking the rock, out of which came wine. We
held our glasses under and drank. Present Revd. McGaw, R. Keen,
Rawle, Gray, Roberts, Emerich, Graff, Geyer, Nicholas, young
Hilleg^, Little Kuhl, and a number of others, about thirty-five in
all.
#
May 7. — Forenoon Mr. Barge and I took a ride to my meadow. At
twelve o'clock the. volunteers, in a body of about one thousand, took
their address to the ^President, John Adams.
May 8. — ^Forenoon went up to the Falls to see Governor Mifflin;
found him in bed very sick. Afternoon went to the State House
yard with Mr. Barge.
May p. — ^Went to church in Race Street This day is set aside by
the President, John Adams, for Fasting and Prayer. Dined at
my son-in-law Cox's, and so did William Hall, William Govet and
Robert Erwin.
May 10, — Last evening there was some disturbance in the streets,
occasioned by men of the Black Cockade and those of White
Cockade, and some arrests were made. The Light-Horse were
called and they paraded the streets.
May 20, — Before breakfast took a ride with Nancy Clayton, up the
canal, down Ridge Road and by Gravel Hill lot home. Dined at
Mr. Barge's, none but Mr. and Mrs. Barge present
wmm^^fmm
356 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER.
May 24, — ^In the afternoon Henry SheafT and I went to Lombard
Street, opposite the Hospital, to an exhibition of different animals,
conducted by a Frenchman.
May 26, — ^This afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Franklin, my son-in-law Wil-
liam Rogers, his wife and son, Hannah Hiltzheimer, and Nancy
Clayton, went in a two-horse carriage down to Casin's Tavern.
Mayji, — ^This afternoon Molly Rogers and Nancy Clayton took a
ride ; had my horse and chair. I went on horseback to the Powder
house, near the Schuylkill, to see Captain Morrell's troop of horse.
The three companies of Light-Horse, Dunlap's, Singer's, and
Morrell's, came down Market Street and made a short halt at the
President's, John Adams's house. I think there was about 130, and
they made a g^rand appearance.
June J. — General Morgan, member of Congress from Virginia, came
to my house ; he and I took a ride in my chair up Ridge Road and
down the canal, after which he breakfasted with us. Afterwards
I went to church and again in the afternoon.
June g. — Mr. Barge and I took a ride to Peter Kuhn's wood land in
Turner's Lane, where he is digging a well, and marked out the
ground for a house in the woods. From thence we went to Mr.
William Standley's place, then down the canal, and to Seider's
Upper Ferry, and had punch. Dined at Mr. Barge's. At six
o'clock a fire broke out in the workshops in the gaol yard.
June ip, — Mr. Barge and I went up Ridge Road and across to Har-
, rowgate, from thence to- William Standley's, at Point no Point
Dined with him and returning home met some of our city Light-
Horse, who are to meet the Hon. Mr.' John Marshall, of Virginia,
one of our Commissioners just returned from France via New York
and on his way to Congress, which is yet in session here. At sun-
set he arrived in town escorted by the three troops of horse, Cap-
tains Dunlap, Morrell, and Singer. Mr. Marshall, and Pinckney re-
ceived their passports 14th of April last Mr. Gerry, the other
Commissioner, remains in Paris.
mm. , H . » , i.*n-» .i M fm 1.1 i .. ., , ,m , , ,,, , .^ '1 I II M m iii. _ i r'. -|- | r i . _ i j,!,..
DIARY OP JACOB HILTZHEIHER. 2$/
June 22. — I am very much troubled with a cough at night After-
noon Mr. Barge and I went to the meadow, and afterward to Oellers's
Hotel, and drank two bottles champagne wine.
Jtdy 4. — Before breakfast Mr. Barge and I took a ride up Point Road
to Mr. Geisse's place, to see the shed where Captain Dunlap with
his company of dragoons is to dine to-day. At ten o'clock went to
Mr. Passmore's house, corner of High and Seventh Street, with my
daughter Hannah, Mrs. Franklin, Mrs. Haslet, and three young
women, to see the great parade of soldiery coming down High
Street and past the President, John Adams's house, which was a
pleasing sight, to find that the people of the United States will no
longer be duped by the French, but will unite and defend their
country. Dined at Mr. Barge's, so did F. A. Muhlenberg, Peter
Kuhn, Jonathan Miller, and Israel Whelen. Towards evening Mr.
Barge and I took a ride.
July p. — ^Afternoon Mr. Barge and I took a ride along the banks of
the Schuylkill and distributed several little books in German, tell-
ing how the French soldiery used the people in Germany in the
summer of 1796.
Jufy II. — I read in Claypoole's paper of yesterday the death of Mr.
Adam Poth, who lived until lately at the southwest corner of
Market and Sixth Streets. The paper states he is one hundred and
three years, six months, and three days old, which agrees with what
he told me at my house eleven months ago.
/ufy ij. — Set out for Mr. Matthew Clarkson's country seat, eleven
miles up Bristol Road ; there breakfasted and dined with him.
Jufy 16. — Forenoon Mr. Barge and I took a ride ; called at the Muhlen-
berg's. At six o'clock William Forrest, a member of Captain
Dunlap's Troop of Horse, and his son-in-law, died at his father's,
in Germantown. The body was brought from there to Dunlap's,
comer of Market and Twelfth Streets, and from thence the funeral
procession came down Market Street; three troops of horse.
258 DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHBIMER.
Macpherson's Blues, Moore's Grenadiers, and other soldiery.
Young F9rrest was only married ist of February last
July ip. — ^Yesterday General Washington's letter, dated Mount Ver-
non, 13th July, of his acceptance of the command of the armies of
the United States, appeared in print This is another token of his
great goodness of heart and love of country, to again consent to
leave his peaceful retirement to enter upon trouble and responsi*
bility at his late period of life, but who can account for the feelings
of a man who sincerely loves his country. I have no doubt but
that the contents of this letter will unite the people, and this
prudent man at the head of the army, with the assistance of Provi-
dence, will preserve our independence.
Jtify 21. — Forenoon Mr. Barge and I took a ride down to the Blue
Bell, across to the late Province Island, crossed Schuylkill and
thence home. Observed on our way that the people are cutting
their oats generally and have uncommon good crops. Afternoon
went to Gravel Hill on horseback.
July 2j, — Dined at Mr. Barge's, so did F. A. Muhlenberg ; afterward
Mr. Barge and I went to see Captain Singer's troops exercise, near
the Powder house, on Schuylkill.
July 28. — ^After four o'clock Mr. Barge and I went down to the
Powder house, to see Captain Wharton's and Captain McKean's
troops of horse exercise.
August 2, — ^At nine o'clock John Swanwick, late member of Congress,
was buried in St. Peter's Church yard. Dined at my son-in-law, J.
Cox's, so did Robert Erwin, who is married to his sister.
August 10. — I observe in Mr. Brown's paper of yesterday, an account
of the deaths in the several congregations in the City and Liberties ;
from the ist instant to the 8th are 53.
August 20. — ^At four o'clock set out with my daughter Hannah to-
wards Trenton. Breakfasted at the Cross Key Tavern, Bristol, and
there met with Mr. Ingersoll, of Philadelphia, and had some con-
DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHEIMER. 259
versation about the present sickness. He said that the Legislature
ought, and he hoped it would, grant a sum of money to complete
the canal from Norriton, near Schuylkill, to the neighborhood of
Philadelphia, to bring the water into the city, for the great benefit of
its health, and in case of a fire. Mr. Ingefsoll also said, that he is in-
formed that the cost of said canal is already one hundred and eighty
thousand dollars, and a like sum will complete it. At twelve
o'clock, I arrived with my daughter at Peter Gordon's, at Trenton.
I dined with my friend, Mr. A. Hunt
August 21. — I was weighed at Mr. Hunt's — i62&>s. Lodged at Mr.
Peter Gordon's, last night. I took a walk before breakfast. Mr.
Hunt and I rode in my chair to Lambertville ; there met with Mr.
William Summers, who took us to Mr. Glenn's, where he and family
board, and gave us a glass of wine.
August 22, — Half-past four o'clock left Trenton, came down the road
to 1 1 -mile stone, to Matthew Clarkson's, where I breakfasted and
dined.
August 2j, — Breakfasted at Mr. Barge's, then he and I took a ride.
We called at Peter Kuhn's new house, building in Turner's Lane,
and afterward at Mr. Muhlenberg's in the Northern Liberties.
Dined with Mr. Barge.
August J I. — ^At six o'clock, Mr. and Mrs. Barge and I set out in Dun-
woody's carriage ; went to Spring Mill to see Mr. , a French
gentleman's vineyard, who told us that he began it twelve years
ago, and increased it, and that he has now about 8000 plants. I
confess it did]not come up to my expectation. Returned to the 10-
mile stone, to Mr. Schneider's ; there dined, and then came home.
September 2, — :Set out for Trenton ; breakfasted and dined at Mr.
Satterthwaite's, at the mouth of the Pennypack Creek, eleven miles;
afterward went on and arrived at Trenton near sunset Found my
daughter Hannah well, and all my friends.
26o DIARY OF JACOB HILTZHBIMSR.
September ^ — ^After breakfasting at Mr. Gordon's and paying toy bill,
I set out for Philadelphia. Called at Mr. Clarkson's, then at Satter-
thwaite's, and there dined on fish just taken out of the Delaware,
and exceedingly good. At the 8-mile stone Mrs. Oellers begged
that I would take her housekeeper and little daughter to town
with me, which I did. Deaths to-day, 66.
Septembers, — [Here the diary ends. On this day Mr. Hiltzheimer
was taken down with the yellow fever, and died on September 14th.
His remains were interred in the cemetery of the German Reformed
Church, now a part of Franklin Square.]
iMteMMki
«, Sbtipri. ■' m ^ aVii
■i»ii "H i w Bi| L m ' wm^tmtitm
INDEX.
Adams, John, 31, 940, 241, 249
Samuel, 31
Adcock, 10
Adgate's conceit, 124
Ainsworth, Samnel, buried, 254
Alair, Alexander, 22
Aliens to hold real estate^ 150
Allen, 27
Allen, Andrew, 27, 28, 183
James, 27, 28, 29, 31
John, 26
Joseph, 12
^¥illiam, buried, 43
Amicable Fire Company, 20, 32, 52, 56,
112, 131
Anderson, CipC. John, 29
Samud, 29
Angelica farm, 36
Armatages's UTem, 5 1
Armstrong, Gen. JoAin, 39, 122
ArtiUerj review, 126
Assembly attends Christ Church, 147
elected a member of, 100
Ash, Csleb, 33
Samud, 17
Atlee, CoL, 39
Samnel, burial of, 107
Bache, Ridiard, 13, 19, 27, 40
Bachman, Peter, 18
Backhouse, John, 15
« Back hmd " daims, 57, 58
Balloon ascension, 188
Bank meeting, 22
North Ajnerica chartered, 119
Pfenaqrlvania, 190, 251
Bankson, Andrew, 16, 17
Bard, William, II, 17
Barge, Jacob, 15, 16, 39, 41, 44. 5©. 5*» 55.
70, 113, 114, 116, 125, 126, 128, 130, 138,
160, 161, 162, 167, 168, 171, 175, 176,
178, 179, 180, 182, 185, 186, 189, 190,
192, 193, 196, 197, 199, aoo, 204, 205,
209, 212, 213, 215, 216, 219, 220, 221,
222, 223, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230,
231, 232, 233, 234, 236, 238, 242, 243,
244» 245, 247, 248, 250, 254, 255, 256,
257. 258, 2S9
Bates', Jacob, Circus, 24
Joseph, 26
Bayard, Major Robert, 24
Baylow, Col., 37
52 Bechtel, George, 41
' Bedford County, 106, 108. no, 114, 173
Benezet, Danid, and wife buried, 242
James, 10
Bethldiem visited, 36, 171, 192
Bettering House, 12
Blddle, Charies, 26, 76, 103, 146
Qement, 16^ 19, 20, 25
Edward, 27
James, 26, 37, 167, 172
buried, 243
John, lo^ 12, 13, 14, 15, 19. 23, 25,
27, 37, 38, 58
Btllingspoit, 39
Bingham, William, 56, 165, 172, 174, 181,
197, 202, 212
Bird, Mirk, 36^ 37
Birth of Dauphin cdebimted, 50
Black Cockade vs. White Codkade, 255
Blaine, Col. Ephraim, 39, 215, 216
Blount, William, impeadied, 244
Bond, Dr., 32,42, 51
Dr. Fhineas, 11
Dr. Thom'ss, 19, 38
BoDsall, Jesse. 33
Boston Port Bill, 31
Boys, Capt. Nathan, 1 14
261 ^
■■■■«■ ' I ; r'
t
262
INDEX.
"dtM
Ayii\^
Bnckenridge, H. H.» 117
Braibford, WsB, acctdent to, 155
BrandywiDC, battle of, 35
Break&st «t Blae Bell, 229
British anny enter Philadelphia, 35
goods seized, 48
men of war destroyed, 36
Brodhead, Col. D., 33
Brosiiis, Nicholas, 10
Brown's school, 60
Bryan, George, buried, 166
Samnel, 17
Bndden, James, buried, 142
Bull, Col., 38, 129
Ballon, Jolm, 20
Bnrd, Col., 44
Bnrgoyne's army catered, 36
Bush Hill Hospital, 195, 196
Butler, Anthony, 36, 37, 38
Cadwalader, Mrs., loi
John, 9
Lambert, 176
Dr. Thomas, 32
Cameron, John, 19, 20
Camp on Uermantown Road, 57
at Germantown, 34
Vanderin's Mill, 34
Canal from Delaware to Sehnylkill, 72
Cape Henlopen Tisited, 168
Carpenter's Hall, 31, 32
Carpenter, Emanuel, 13, 16, 20
Jacob, 13, 16, 18
Cosh, Caleb, 23
Conn's tavern, 28, 245, 256
Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity 158
Caocus at Oeller's tavem, 226
Centre Woods, 18, 33
Chancellor, 17
Chestnut Street lots, 99
Theatre, 188, 201, 202, 204, 205,
206, 213, 214
Cheralaer, John, 23
aty Troop, 56, 87, 126, 127, 142, 152, 210,
215, 224, 249, 255. 256, 257
Qark80D,Dr. G., buried, 164
Matthew, 20, 57, 83, 91, 97, 102.
no, III, 114, 126, 127, 128,
137. 139. 140. I49t 160, 190,
I93» I94» i95» ^98, 204. 205,
206, 214, 220, 221, 228, 249,
257, 259, 260
Qarkson, Matthew, wife boned, 209
Mrs. Qarkson, 20
Mrs. Mary, 54
Anthonr, 25
Claypoole, SherifiT, 39
Clymer, George, loi
Coates, Isaac, 12
Cock fight, 20
Coffee Rouse, 27
t:oUege of Philadelphia, 151
Comet, 17
Concert, German Reformed Church, 86
Lutheran Church, 166
Congress at Carpenters' Hall, 31
leaves Philadelphia, 35
Connecticut claimants, 123
Constitutional Convention, 132, 156
Continental smith shop burned, 43
stables, 33, 34
Conway, Gen., 37
Comman, Adam, buried, 172
John, buried, 206
sugar- house burned, 131
Complanter, 174 '
ComwalUs' surrender, 46
Coryell's Ferry, 35
Coudray, Gen., drowned, 35
Coultas, Capt., lo, 14
Council of Safety, 33
Court of Admiralty, 105, 122
House, 1 1
Cowperthwahe, CoL, 52
Cos, Dr. John, 9
Jacob, married Kitty Hiltzheimer, 152 ;
starts with The First Troop on the
Western expedition, 208
Moses, moved to Gray's Ferry, on ac-
count of the Fever, 195
Susanna, daughter of Moses Coz, mar-
ried Robert Erwio, 234
Betsy, daughter of Moses Cox, married
Captain Poole, 243
Peggy, daughter of Moses Cox, married
Major Freeman, 243
Craigie, Dr., 42
Cronch, 37, 38
Gushing, Thomas, 31
Dagworthy, Miss, marries A. Hunt, 73
Mrs., loi
Dallas, A. J., 184, 185, 186
Dance at Ricketts' Circus, 225
INDEX.
263
Dain)hiii Conntf election case» 186
Deal, 231
I>ean, Col, 52
Mn. Joteph, 10
Deaibom, CoL, D. Q. M., 45
De Camp, Dr., 87
Dedtnet to nm for Aldennan, 152
Delaware ratifies Federal Constitiition, 140
CoQDtj erected, 155
River frozen over, 12, 25, 48, 61,
77
Dekntei to Congrev elected, 76, 102, 148
De Haas, Gen., boned, 89
John, 16
De Lancey, James, 20
De Kne, Mrs., lox
Dickinson, John, 31, 52
Gen. P., 65, loi
Dinner of Assembly, 137, 146
at JiLCob Barse's, 257
bettering Hoose, 134
Breton's, 125
Bums*s tavern, 205
Carpenters' HaH, delegates, 32
Jacob Cox% 250, 252, 255
Dunwoody's, 233
Erwin's, 138
Indian Qneen, 77, 168
George Latimer's, 1 99, 204, 224,237
WUIiam Lewis's, 156
Mets's, 167
Thomas Mifflin's, 137, 145, 148,
150, 157. X67, 172, 177, 178,
i8a, K83, 184, 201, 205, 220,
228, 229, 236
New Gaol, 31
Point House, 57
Samuel Powell's, 185
Powl's Hook, 67
Reading, 14X
Rush's, 69
Street CommissionerB, 140
Lawrence Seckel's, 63, 2x3
Spencer's, 25
Spread Eagle, 222, 226
Von Heer's, 03, 128
Nicholas Wam's, 238
Warner's fish house, 92, lox,
153. iS4f 164, 205, 2i6, 227,
233.248
White House, 95
President Washhigton'^ 171, 213,
240
Diomella, Alvaro, 21
Dos, Andrew, buried, 148
Draper, Sir WilUam, 21
Drinker, Hcniy, 17, 23
John, 12
Duchi, Jacob, 30
Duffield, Mrs., 20
Edward, 31
Rev., buried, 159
Dufiys tavern, 38
Dunham, A., 39
Earthquake, 37, 59
Easton visited, 192
East River Ferry, 23
Eberle, Conrad, 25
Edenton, 230, 231
Edwards, Morgan, 19
Elves, Henry, 10, XX, 15
Emlen, Geoige, 24, X76
Samuel, 25
Sarah, 22
Erwin's, Joseph, wife buried, 224
Erwin, Robert, 10, xi, 12, X3, 14, X5, x6,
17, X9, 25, 27, 31. 32, 33. 40, 58,
83, X26, 149, X73, X77, 182, X92,
219, 229
Robert, buried, X92
Evans, Dr. Cadwaladcr, xo, X7, x8, 23
Oliver, 122
F.
Falkner, Capt. N., 49, xxo, xii
Falls of Schuylkai* 26
Fanwkk, Capt, 37
Farmer, Col. Lewis,.77, 78
wife buried, 207 JiW^
Febiger, Christian, buried, 234 -i ^^ f CW
Federal Constkution Convention, xi2 vf'&.^v^^
procession, 146
Findlay, William, no, X I X, X 12
Finney, Washington, married, 250
Fireworks at State House, 24
Fisher, Mayor William, 32
William, xo^ x8
Fitch, John, X22
Fitch-Rumsey steamboat privileges, 150
Footman, Ridiaid, io, 25, 27
Foit Mifflin, 207, 208, 253
Focrest, William, buried, 257
264
INDEX.
{:
Fort St T>md, 22, 62
Foiter, James, 25
Foolke, AmilSs, buried, 171
Cdeb, dauglitcr married, 22^
Judah, 10, II, 16, 17, 22, 23, 25,
26, 27, 32
Fox hunting, 9, 10, 13, 14, 23
John, 15
oseph, 10, II, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19,
22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31
baried,6o
Fracas between Griswold and Lyon, 152,
253
Franklin, Benjamin, 11, 75, 76, 103, 107,
123, 136
Francis, G>1., 27
Cornelias, 13
Tench, 10, 11, 17, 18, 21,27,31,
39, 40, 46, 47, 84, 92, 143, 14*,
151, 166, 173, 192, 205, 212,
213, 227
Tm-bot, 11,27
Free Quakers, first meeting, 64
Freeman, 25
French Minister, 41
Minister's house struck by lightning,
49
burned, 42
troops arriTe, 45
leave, 51
Freshet in Schuylkill, li, 13
Funk's Uvem, 69, 128
Furman, William, 24
Q.
Gage, Gen., reviews troops, 14
Galladn, Albert, 167, 173, 185, 186, 189,
190, 193, 202, 211
Gallomore, 23
Galloway ys. GrifFen, 30
Iron Works, 36
Joseph, 10, IS, 17, 18, 22, 25, 27,
Galvan, Maj., buried, 50
Gardner, Hannah, 12, 14
Joseph, 49
Garlick Hall, 10
Gates, Gen. Horatio, 34
wife at Reading, 37
captures Burgoyne, 36
Geisse's tavern caucus, 166
German Society, 19, 44, 47, 52, 59, 60, 148,
. 157, 165, 172, 187
German Reformed Church Vestry, 114
Germantown Turnpike, 251
site for Federal capital, 139
Gerry, 41
Geyer, Adam, buried, 156
Gibson, Col. George, 36
Gibbs, Maj., 57
Giles, Maj. £., 44
Gill, John, 84, 129
Glasgow Iron Works, 141
Glenn, Robert, 31
Gloucester Point, 182, 183
Gordon, C, 1 1
Maj. Hany, 28
Peter, 85
Graflf, Jacob, Jr., 34
Grant, Daniel, 19, 20
Grau, John, 40
Grave, John, 39
Gravel Hill, 21, 22, S4, 55. 80, 81, 82, 84,
86, 90, 91, 92, 97, 103, no, 117,
123, 124, 12$, 126, 127, 132, 140,
178. 191, 194, 195, 197, 205, 226,
Gray, 12, 13
George, 22
Joseph, 38
William, 30, 32, 40
Gray's Garden, 124, 128, 153
Graydoo, Alexander, 5 1
Greenwich Hall, 10, 14, 16, 17, 18, 23, 28,
40
Griflin, Cyrus, 69
H.
Hall, the printer, 36, 37
Hamilton, Alexander, 208
Andrew, 9, 21, 24, 25. 26, 28, 29,
30, 58. 70
Tames, 14, 57
Maj. 29
WUIiam, 15, 19
Hancock, John, 34
Hare's brew-house burned, 164
Hare, Robert, 56
Harrowgate, 74, 243, 244, 255, 256
Hart, Barney, 37
Hartley, James, 17
HasseU, Samuel, 10
tavern, 137, I46
Hay, Maj. David, 28, 29
Heard, Nathaniel, 23
Heil, Michael, 9
INDEX.
265
Hempftttd Plains, 23
Hcndnduoii, Bfr*, 23
Hcniy, John Joseph, 229
Col. l^Umin, 33
Hessians defeated at Red Bank, 36
Hewes, Joseph, boned, 41
Josiah, 28,30
Hejsham, Capt., 26
Hicks, Nicholas, 12
High water on Delaware front, 88, 89
Highlanders, Capt. Stnart, 12
Hillcgas, Michsd, 22, 29
Mrs., 20, 22
Hflton, Mr., 23
Hiltsheimer, Mrs., 9, 12, 13, 17, 18, 20, 21,
22, 24, 25, 50, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 61,
63, 64, 66, 71, 74. 75, 79, 81, 85, 86, 87,
89» 9O1 9h 92,99. !<»» «o»» 103,110, III,
113, us, 119, 124, 126, 127, 128, 130,
133. 134, 136, 143. MS. "46, 147. >49.
153, 159, i6a
Elizabeth, 149, 173, 178, 183,
I93f 306, 208, 209,210, 211
buried, 211
Hannah, 41, 48, 54, 56. 75. 86,
90, 91, no, 127, 128, 130,
149. "59» i7«. 175. i9h 193.
214, 219, 255, 258
Kitty, 96, 108, 115, 127, 128,
130, 152, 173
Mtty, 41 90, 92, no, 129, 131,
173, 178, 206, 208, 209, 246
Robert, 27, 29, 40, 47, 49, 56,
67, 86, 87, 90, 91, io8, 109,
115,119,124,127,139,159,
164, 167, 173, 192^ 199, 200,
209, 227,
Thonus, 17.^.48,49.51. 55*
64.69,76, 90, 96,115,125,
"30, 135. »75. «84i 185. >92.
197. 233. «5o
Williim, 9, 27, 29, 43, 92, HO,
in, 112,191, 197, 198
Hitner, George, 18
Hockley, Ridiaid, 15, 32
W. B., 17, 29, 30
buried, 212
Hodgdon, CoL, 50
Hoffinan^ 18
William, 32
Hog Island, 33
Holland, John, branded, 17
Hollingsworth, Jacob, 10
18
Hollingsworth, Levi, 9, 14, 15, 37, 248
daughter buried, 143
Hooper, Robert, 15
Hopkins, Robert, 16
Hopkkson, Joseph, 14
Horse-iadng, n, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21,
22, 23, 24
Howe, Gen. Robert, 66
Howe at Swedes' Ford, 35
Howell, A., 29
Isaac, 28
Joseph, buried, 165
Reading, 158
Samuel, 27, 30
Hnbky, Col. A., buried, 253
Hudson, Samuel, 14, 27^ 28
Hugcr, 25
Hughes, John, 13
Humphreys, Jonathan, 10, 13, 21
Richard, 37
Whitehead, 44
buried, 97
Humpton, Cd., 37
Hunt, Abraham, 35, 39, 41, 49. 64f 65
Hunt, James, 42
John, 23
Richard, 41
WUson, 23, 24, 30
Huntington County erected, 132
Samuel, 38
Hutchins, 1 1
Thomas, 71
Hutchinson, Got. Thomas, 30
Hyde, Nathaniel, 27
I.
Ibison, William, buried, 28
Indian Camp, 39
Indian Queen Inn, 57
Irwin, Matthew, 36^ 37
Isard, Ralph, 25, 59
J.
Jackson, Maj. William, 127 .
oradoQ before Cincinnati Society,
92
James, Abd, 17, 25, 88
Janris, Charles, 26, 28, 33
Jenkins, Charles, 14, 15
Maiy,25
Johnson, Mr., 23
Emily, 114
Johnston, James, 10
li. r
266
INDEX.
Jonei, Col., 17
Capt,3i
Mrt.,39
Dr.,oiGeocgia,53
Dr.,baried, 168
Toicph, 13, 14, 16 ;
Matthew, 33.
Owen, 10, 16, 21
Owen, Jr., 18, zi
Rebecca, the preacher, 32
Robert \^]]iMn, 35
William, 10, 11,13,13, 'St i^t I7* I9>
30, 35, 37, 38, 31, 33, 33, 40, 53,
57, 83, 104, 173, 174, 181, 183, 185^
188, 30I, 315, 319, 330, 331, 335,
338, 333
wife buried, 193
married third time, 330
Whitdiead, 30O
Jay, Capt Daniel, 38
Kearsley,Dr. J., 17, 19, 30, 33
Keen, Mrs., 37
buried, 44
Reynold^ 11, 16, 17, 19,36,38,32,
58, 126, 177
Kemble, Mrs., 39
George, 30
Kennedy, Dr., 37
Keppele, Henry, Jr., 17, 21, 50
buried, 224
Kidd, John, 27, 29 •
King's birthday celebrated, il
Kinney, David, 35, 36
Kinsey Philip, 10, 16, 26
Kintzing, Abraham, 39
Klages, Catherine, 91
Knox, Gen., 49
Kohl, Frederick, 59
Kuhn, Dr., 41, 47, 49, 113
L.
Lambert, Mrs., loi
Lancaster Road and Turnpike, 108, 174, 184,
193*222
visited, 55, 56, 221
Langdon, John, 41, 131
Large cow slaughtered, 85
Laurens, Henry, 66, 69
Lawrence, 27
Judge, 27
EUjah, 23
Lawrence, John, 11, 19, 28
Thomas, 18, 29, 32
Jr.. 29
Leberon's tavern, i c
Lee, Francis Lightioot, 39
Gen., buried, 51
Leiper Canal, 173
Lewis, Jacob, 10, 12, 27
Lincoln, Gen., 50, 52, 172
Little, John, 20, 40, 49
Liberty Fish House, 26, 32
Livesey, Thomas, 15, 22
Lloyd, William, 10
Long Branch visited, 181, 2x5, 216
CttpL 31
Lukens, John, 13, 15, 19, 20, 27, 29, 32, 39,
49
Mri. John, buried, 144
Lutterloh, Col., 37
Luxeme Coon^, 1 1 1
Lycoming County, dectioo case, 249, 251
Macpheison, 21, 147, 165
Maidenhead, 29
Market Street bridge stock, 254
Market houses, 80
Mason, Richard, fire-engine builder, 20
Masters, Polly, 24
Masscy, Charles, 27, 28, 29
James, 13
Matlack, Timothy, 13, 15, 16, 17,20, 23; 38,
44, 48, 66, 91, 117.
134,143,160,199,316
wife buried, 170
Matthews's tavern, 69
Mease, James, 40
John, 36
Melcher, Col., 53, 77
Isaac, buried, 163
Mentges, Col., 84
Meredith, Samuel, 34, 134, 145,147
Middle Ferry, 10, 13, 14, 19, 43
bridge at, 144
Middleton, of South Carolbia, 31, 33
Mifilin, Fort, 37, 39
Daniel, 145
Gcofge, 24, 37,48, 57, 61 62
John, 23
ohn F., 145
Jonathan, 33, 36, 37
Kebecca, 36
Samuel, 10, 1 1, 17, 28, 29, 37, 45
1 T— in i- I I • I' • » If! J J. pii
INDEX.
267
Mifflin, Thomas, 10, a2, 25, 26, 29, 31, 33,
34t 36» 37» 38, 44i 47> 48» 49»
50, $1, 54. 581 59- 61, 62, 63,
65, 66, 67, 71, 72, 73, 74, 76,
77, 78, 80, 81, 83. 84, 86, 98,
loi, 102, 103, 106, 108, no,
III, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116,
117, 118, 123, 124, 126, 128, 131,
132. "33. 135. 136. 137. 138. «39.
140, 141, 143, 144. 145. 146. 147.
148, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157,
159, 162, 163, 164, 166, 167, 168,
172. 173, >74, 176, 177. 178. 181,
182, 189, 190, 192, 193, 194, 197,
* 198, 201, 204, 20s, 206, 207, 208,
209, 210, 213, 220, 221, 222, 224,
225, 226, 228, 229, 233, 236, 237,
240, 246, 250, 255
Mn. Thomas, 37
bnried, 162
Warner, 144
Miles, Samud, 10, 14, 20, 22, 25,28,44, 79,
82,127,129,137,142,143
Militia reriewed by French Minister, 43
Milnor, Edward, 15, 26, 126
Model of bridge by John Sellers, 103
Money printed in State House, 72
Morayian meeting-hoose, 13
Moigan, Benjamin, 28
Col. Jacob, 39
buried, 204
Dr. John, wife buried, 71
brewery burned, 238
Morrdl, Capt, 18, 19
Morris, Miss, 36. 51 /f2Ji; ^
Anthony, 13, 20, 27 J.OXy^fi/>
daughter buried, 233
Cadwalder, 84
^/ GouTemeur, 43, 40
^/ Israel, 14,16^1 J
John, buried, 72 d3
Rebecca, 114,126
. .3 Robert, 27, 30^ 45. "6, 127, 147,
/ZojAi J4i Samuel, Jr., 37
-*■ o Susanna, 49 74U"^/ ^4 vy>
Moser, Phaip, buried, 57 ^ VA
Moulder, William, 34 ^P
Muhlenberg, F. A., assaulted, 227^
Peter, 136
Mnllins,29
>/^/
^'/
:h^H^
"1
Musher, Thomas, 26
Mushett, 10, 15, 31
N.
Naglee, John, bwied, 42
Nazareth ristted, 192
Nelson, George, 35, 36, 39
Nesbitt, J. M., 31
New Blaze Ferry, 23
New Jersey visited, 134
New York Tisited, 66, 67
Nicholas, CoL F., 141, 142
Samuel, 14, 15, 16
Samuel, buried, 163
Nicholas, Capt., 37
Nichdaon's, John, trial, 201, 202, 203, 204
glass works, 210
Nixon, John, 40
Non-impoftation meeting, 22
O.
Oellers's taTem, 208, 226
Ogden's Ferry, 30, 61 , 62
Upper Ferry, 178, 193, 205
daughter married^ 70
John buried, 77
Joseph, 29
Joseph, Jr., buried, 132
Ordnance yard, 44
Oswald libel, 53
' memorial, 147
Ox ** Commodore TVumuon," ao2
roast on Delaware, 42
SehuylkiU, 238
P.
Paine, Robert T., 31
Fallard, 13
Palmer, John, 10, 12, 13, 19
Parr, William, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18,25, 26, 27,
28
Parrish, John, 12
Paschall, Stephen, 13, 15
Patton, John, 38, 44, 51
Paul, John, 15
Pauling, Henry, 18, 22
Peace proclaimed at Court House, 55
Pearaey, Rev., Mr., 30, 31, 32
Pearson, James, 11, 32
Femberton, Joseph, 25
Pendleton, Judge, 88
Penn, Governor, 14
John, 26, 27, 145, 183
■•*l*
268
INDEX.
Penn, John, buried, 31 a
Goremor Richtrdy 24, 26
Street opened, 68
Pennington, Edwmrd, I3, 17, 19, 2(0, 2a
Isaac, buried, 164
Pennsjlvania Hospital, 187
ratifies Federal Constitution,
140
Penrose Feny, 26, 27 ,
Col. Joseph, 35
Samuel, 29, 33
Perkins, John, 30
Peters, Richard, 26, 27, 28, 29, 44t 45t «44,
146, 147, 148, iSOb 15a, 154, 156, 157.
160, 161, 164
Pettit,9
Philadelphia incorporated, 151
Phile vs. Warder and Parker, 46
Pickering, Col. T., 43, 45. 49. 5o, 57. 66,
93, loi, 103, 117, 128, 137, 147
Pillmore, Rev. George, 20, 130
Pinckney, Gen., 127, 129, 134
Point House, 173, 180, 187, 203, 204, 214
Pollard Ts. Gairigues, 100
Poor's Academy, 210
Both vs. Borden and Croft, 55
Potts, Dr., 38
Jonathan, 37
Joseph, 32
wife, 25
Potter, Gen., 49
Powell, Samuel, 14
Powl's Hook Ferry, 23
President's House, Ninth and Msrket Streets,
163, 172, 174, 17s, 176, 177, 178, 179,
180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187,
188, 189, 191, 205, 213, 214, 219, 220,
223. 233. 236, 237, 240, 249, 251, 252
Proprietaries vs. Baron, 27
Prorince Island, 29, 33, 35
Pjyor, Norton, 25, 27, 39
Thomas, 25, 27, 29, 30, 32
R.
Ralston, Robert, 1 1 1
Randolph, Peyton, 31
Rawle, William, 143, 148, 162
Read, Mr., 23
Collinson, 51
Joseph, 27, 31
buried, 72
Mrs., buried, 43
Reading vbited, 141
Red Bank, 39
battle, 36
Red Lion tavern, 206
Redman, Joseph, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 26, 29,
40
Joseph, Jr., 37
Reed, David, 23
Reeves, Peter, 10, 32
Remarkab^ dog, 98
Removal of the seat of justice to Harrisbmg
debated, 104
Repairs of roads, 177
Republican Society, 38
Reyndl, 12, 17
Rhoads, Samuel, 29
Richards, WilUam, 37
wile buried, 144
Rickett's Circus, 224
Ride to Trenton on *' Camillus," 125
Ridge Avenue turnpike, 171
Righter's ferry, 115
Ringgold's tavern, 134
Rinnet, Capt., 5$
Riot in Kensington, 215
Rittenhouse, David, 156
buried, 229
Rivers' tavern, 116
Road over Roxborough Hill, 104
Roberts, Edward, 14
Geowe, 18, 27, 31
Hugh, 15
Richard, 20
Robert, 26, 32
buried, 168
Thomas, 126
Robeson, Humphrey, 10
" Roger," prize ox, 28, 29
RoseU, George, 14
Ross, Dr., 84
George, 18, 39, 131
John, 10, 17, 18, 31
Richard, 38
Rudolph, John, 16
Joseph, 9, 12, 14, 29
Zebulon, 13, 14
Rumsey's model of a waterworks, 146
Rundle, Daniel, 10
buried, 214
Rush, Dr. Benjamin, 194, 195, 237
S.
Schmucker, John, 36
Schuyler, Gen. P., 33
INDEX.
26^
Schuylkill bridge, 71
freshet in, 216
Scots' Presbyterian Choich, 117
Scott, John Morinis, 66
Sculls', B., wife boried, 175
William, 20
Searle, James, 37
Seckel, David, 28
George, 28
Sellers, John, 143, 153, 248
Seneca Indians, 164
Serenth Street piopertj, 51
Shad dinner, 30
Shaftos', 230
Shaw, William, baried, 151
Shay's Rebdlion, 119
Sheaff, William, 29
Sheaff's Garden, 244
Shee, John, 28, 129
Sherman, 131
Hannah, 36
Shippen, Edward, 20, 124
Joseph, 42
Dr. William, 42
Shoemaker, Isaac, bnried, 90
Thomas, 13, 15
Sign of the Buck tavern, 52, 232
Wagon tavern, 123
Swan tavern, 205
SOk mann£ficture, 20, 22
Silver Tankards, 204
Sinnepnxent, 33
Slavery, gradual abolition, 144
Slough, George, 39
Mathias, 39
Smith's stage line to New York, 58
Smith, GeOTge, 17
}ames, 40
ohn, 15
Pearson, 15, 27
Robert, ID, II, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19,
26, 27, 31, 32
Thomas, 42, 49
Rev. William, D. D., 1 5, 31, 103,
144
Society for Promoting Agriculture, 77, 78,
81, 82, 83, 86,97, 103,113.
"4. I3«. «37. 142, 145. 146,
149, I54» 158. 167, 173
Encouraging Mamifactoret and
Useful Arts, 143
Soldiers'riot, 41
Souder, Capt. Charles, 37
Spencer, Rev. Mr., 29
Spy executed, 47
St Clair, Capt., 27
Gen. A., 51
St. Tammany Society, 73, 86
Stadelman's, 19, 20
Stamp Act, 9, 1 1
Standleys, William, 84, 90, 92, 95, 99, 108,.
no. 115, 124, 125, 126, 130, 255, 256
Starr Ferry, 23
State Convention, 136, 138, 154
House, 28, 32, 45, 46, 49, 72
Island, 39
officers elected, 156
Steel furnace, 125
Steuben, Baron, 47, 48
Stewart, Gen. Widter, buried, 228
Stonebumer, Leonard, 12, 25, 40, 92, 113
Story, Capt., 17
Enoch, 9
Street Commissiooers, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64,.
65, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75» 76, 77»
78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88.
89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95. 96, 97, 98, 99^
100
Sugar house. Miles & Morgan, 58
SuUiff, 2K
Swanwick, John, buried, 258
Swedes' Fotd, 35
Swift, Samuel, 23
Swope, 18
Col. M., 44
T.
Taylor, Col. George, 33, 36
Tea ship, 27, 28
Thompson, Col. James, 45
Thomson, Charles, 22, 31
Thombury, Josiah, W. M. G., 34
Tilbuiy, Thomas, 17, 23
Tilghman, Tench, 14, 28, 29, 30
James, 27, 30
Treaty of peace, 54
Trees planted in State House yard, 72, 76
Trent, 39
Teuton visited, 259
Trexler, Peter, 35, 36
Trimble, Francis, 10, 14, 15, 26
Triumph sloop arrives, 54
Triumphal arch burned, 60
Troops for North Carolina, 34
Tuckness, Robert, 16, 32 11/
nyo
INDEX.
u.
United States fri^e launched, 343
V.
Van Berkel, Datch Minister, 58
Yanderen, John, boried, 145
Vanderen's mill, camp at, 34
Van Horn, John, 23
Vaoghan, Samad, 73, 76^ 77, 85, 137
Von Heer, Capt, 34
W.
Warden, Jeremiah, 14
Wadsworth, Col. J., 41, 50, 69, 77, 116, 117,
165, 170, 185, 188, 198, 300
Warner, Col., 53
Isaac, boried, 308
Warner's fish bouse, 93, loi, 153, 154, 164,
305, 316, 337, 333, 348
Washington, 34, 35, 44i 45. 47. 49. 5°. 59.
63, 136, 137, 138, 139, 153, 163, 165,
166, 171, 173, 179, 185, i88, 190, 193,
3o8, 309, 313, 315, 333, 335, 338, 334,
235. 237. 240, 341, 258.
Washington. Lady, 39, 41, 44, 45, 47, 153.
166, 192, 335, 337
Water's Ferry, 33
Waters, Israel, 16
Wayne, Gen. Anthony, 39, 234
Webb, James, Jr., 14
Capt. John, 33
Webster, Quartermaster of Artillery, 39
Weight of prize cow, 118
steer, i3o, I3i
" Sl Patrick," 151
Weinburg, Rev. Mr., 31
Weiss, Lewis, buried, 335,
Wharton, Carpenter, 31
}ames, 14, 39, 30
oseph, 10, 17, 19, 36, 38, 39
Thomas, 10, 33, 33
Whelen, Israel, 106, 108
daughter boried, 161
Whelen, Townscnd, 106, 108, 1 10, 112,
123, 133, 143
Whlskj Rebelliod, 307, 308, 209, 210, 211
White, James, 39
James, 35
John, 36
Col. W.. 39
White Horse tavern, 127, 219
Whitefieid, Rev. George, 21
Widderbum, Alexander, 30
Wikoff, Peter, 10
Wilson, Dr. 51
James, 145
Wilkinson, Jemima, 65, 66, 145
Wdl, Col., 39, 77, 81
WiU's, R., wife buried, 228
Sheriff, buried, 252
WUliams, Oipt, 57
Williams, Hannah, 10
Willing, Charles, 13, 14
James, 45
Richard, 14, 131
buried, 252
Thomas, 10, 14, 31, 40
Wisfaard, Thomas, 22
Wister, Casper, 28
Daniel, lo, ii, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,
17, i8, 20, 25, 28, 29, 43
John, II, 12, 17,21, 28, 29
buried, 149
Richard, 21, 28, 29
William, 10, 15, 17, 28, 29
Wolcott, OliTcr, 38
Wood, Joseph, il, 37
Woods, Col. George, 81
Wynkoop, Geraidos, no, 1 1 1
Wyoming Controversy, 238, 239, 241, 253,
254
Y.
Yellow Fever, 194, 195, 246, 247, 258, 260
Z.
Zion's Lutheran Church, 236
burned, 236
ADDENDUM.
Page 34 : July 2S. This was the house in which Jefferson wrote the Dechuwtion of
Independence, and the site is now corered by the Ften National Bank.
ERRATUM.
On page 149, eleventh line from bottom, read [Fourth Street] instead of [Gennantown].
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